shin splints and leg pains

sandrarflanagan
sandrarflanagan Posts: 14
in Introduce Yourself
Hello, Does anyone on here have a problem with shin splints or leg pains while running? I used to be a runner and ever since I started up again, my calfs hurt as well as my shins. Is there anything that you can suggest to me to stop this from happening so i can run again? Thank you!

Replies

  • BurtHuttz
    BurtHuttz Posts: 3,653 Member
    I just solved a similar problem under similar circumstances with the following changes to my routine:
    1. Don't stretch, but rather warm up before running with a brisk walk, and then a slow jog.
    2. Stretch after running.
    3. While running - - slower pace, and longer distance. I was physically capable of going fairly fast but developed pain and lengthy recovery needs. Once I dialed back the speed, I was able to go further and recover faster.

    My goal now is to build my speed up just to the point where I can recover in 48 hours so I can run every other day while getting my 'comfortable' speed fastest.
  • sandrarflanagan
    sandrarflanagan Posts: 14
    Thanks! I will definitely try that :)
  • SunshineDecember
    SunshineDecember Posts: 70 Member
    Take it slow - if you try to push too far and too fast, you'll be more prone to injury. Take rest days in between. Make sure you have a pair of good running shoes that support your foot type. Try to run on soft surfaces, like grass, if possible. Consider doing other forms of exercise that put less impact on your legs - circuit training, biking, swimming, etc. Cool your legs down after a run, either by icing or hosing them off with cold water when you shower. Remember a thorough warm up and cool down.
    Hope that helps! Shins splints are a pain the butt, but by doing the things I've listed above, my legs are more or less all better :)
  • Colleen118
    Colleen118 Posts: 491 Member
    Hello, Does anyone on here have a problem with shin splints or leg pains while running? I used to be a runner and ever since I started up again, my calfs hurt as well as my shins. Is there anything that you can suggest to me to stop this from happening so i can run again? Thank you!

    When I started my journey this was a huge issue for me. I was actually told by the doc that I was not allowed to do high impact because of the pain and fear of injury derailing my success. I had dropped about 45 lbs when I decided to try again (prior to being given approval) and I found that I am now able to run again. I got a little stiffness and tender in the knee muscles but it lasted a day and was gone. I don't know what your weight is but maybe just try it out every 10lb loss and see how you feel
  • _danjo_
    _danjo_ Posts: 134 Member
    Calf raises, calf raises, calf raises. And rest.

    Is it really your calves that hurt, or possibly where your Achilles tendon attaches (about midway up the back of your lower leg)? I've experienced Achilles tendonitis all the way to stress fractured tibias and what has made the most difference is strengthening my calf muscles. They protect the tendons and the bones. Since I've started concentrating on that, my shin/tendon/leg pain is gone.

Categories