Shin Splint??

happycauseIride · February 2013

Hi. A little background on me. I'm 37 yo female, 48 lbs lost into a 135 pound goal. I started C25K and make it to Week 7. I have NEVER been a runner so that alone is a major accomplishment for me. I run inside on a shock absorbing treadmill so far and want to move outside when the weather turns nicer in a month or two. I exercise every day, alternating running days with just walking on opposite days.

About two weeks ago I started having some pain in my right ankle/shin. The first day or two I tried just running though it, thinking it was a shin splint and then suffered the next day or two with soreness. It got to the point it hurt enough that I took a couple days off from both walking and running and had no pain at all so I started again. It felt fine with the 5 minute walking warm up, but the pain was back with the very first step I ran. I tried to run though it, but only made 15 minutes of the 25 minute run and probably stopped 4 times in the run as well, so I gave up and walked instead. That was Sunday, yesterday I just walked, today I tried running again with no luck due to the pain again!!

Walking is fine. Walking around in daily life is fine. It gets a little stiff after I sit for a while and it hurts going down steps. I am doing plenty of stretching and before anyone asks...I have a doctor apt scheduled for next week.

I guess I am wondering if this is a Shin Splint or something else. And if it is, how do I treat it. Rest? How long? I'm worried if I miss all this time running, how far will that set me back when I start again. Does anyone have any advice here?

Appreciate any help you can give me. Thank you!!

OtiWanKenobi · February 2013

Hi! Shin splints are the worst. I'm glad you're seeing a doctor for this. In the meantime, the best way to treat it is to ice the area A LOT! Freeze water in a plastic cup and then rub it up and down the entire length of your shin and rest at least a week...two would be better.

Are your running "heel-to-toe". If so, that might be the reason why. When I was training for the 1/2 marathon I found myself getting them because I was running heel-toe at the time. Now, after educating myself on proper running form, you should be running with a mid-foot strike. I've had to start all over with distance training because I had to learn to run with new muscles...but totally worth it and I no longer get shin-splints.

http://www.goodformrunning.com/

maryam8283 · February 2013

Hey!

I had this problem too years ago when I went through a little phase of running. Its only recently I have started to run again...and I noticed how I was not getting this pain in my right ankle and right side of my back like you are. Now, I may be way off mark here but my parents told me off a year or so ago for turning my foot slightly in when I walk, just something I have always done and after consciously walking straight it is now natural for me to walk with both feet facing forward. Now, my running is pain-free....could be something you can ask your friend to evaluate as you walk in front of them? I'm not even sure if this is the cause!? Maybe try strengthening your core back and stomach muscles which will take some of the weight off your knees and ankles.
Just a suggestion! hahaa....seemed to work for me

Good Luck! 48 lbs is AMAZING!! xxx

happycauseIride · February 2013

Thank you for the suggestion. I will give it a try but Im nervous about losing my progress so far. I guess its better then nothing.

faster_than_flash · February 2013

Having played soccer a lot - I am familiar with them.

They usually stem from you walking/running incorrectly. For example: If you try to walk very quickly (as to race a friend) for an extended period of time, you might get them. You might notice this if you have a day in the city and walk briskly.

To avoid them, work on form of running/walking. Just youtube "proper way to run". Also, drink water. It helps.

McBatty · February 2013

hi im a runner probably shin splints. no big deal just ice for an hour every night take ibuprofen and a few days off and youll be fine! good luck!

dwpenman · February 2013

Hi, can I suggest you go to a really good shoe store that videos your running style, they can then recommend the correct shoe type and you can try a few to get the most comfort. Also your old shoes could be worn, you can tell by pushing your thumbs into the centre of the forefoot. If there is a lot of "give", you likely need a new pair as they are not absorbing shock anymore. Good luck.

Shin Splint??

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