Shin splints a week before my first 5k!

I need to know what to do. I have a 5K next Saturday, and really, really want to participate. I paid $40 for this, which is a lot for a broke college student. Is there a way I can fix this in a week, or am I just going to have to pop some pain killers the day of? Can anybody out there help me out here?

Replies

  • monicalosesweight
    monicalosesweight Posts: 1,173 Member
    I would start icing right away! I'll cross my fingers for you. You may want to take a break in the meantime and relax a bit. Do you know how you got them? I know I got some from aerobics on a gym floor - poor shoes can do it too.
  • KassLamb
    KassLamb Posts: 98 Member
    Thanks. I'll certainly start icing. I got them from doing the 30-day shred. Lots of high-impact cardio. I first noticed it while doing the jumping jacks. I was doing it on a carpeted floor, but I wasn't wearing shoes. Maybe that was why. I've read that poor shoes can cause it, but to be honest, I don't know what "poor shoes" means. I've been hearing lots of great things about minimalist shoes, but I've also heard people saying that injuries happen more with minimalist shoes and that lots of padding is best. I don't know. I just got new shoes for running. So far, they're comfortable and they fit. Beyond that, I have no clue what makes a "good" shoe.
  • I have no advice for this :P but I wish you luck!!!! :)
  • I need to know what to do. I have a 5K next Saturday, and really, really want to participate. I paid $40 for this, which is a lot for a broke college student. Is there a way I can fix this in a week, or am I just going to have to pop some pain killers the day of? Can anybody out there help me out here?

    Shoes! imo thats where the problem starts. Try to get as good of a cushion in there as you can.

    Are your shoes to small? Do you have to cram your feet in them? how bout your arch and width? I like new balance for myself.

    Good luck
  • Xiaolongbao
    Xiaolongbao Posts: 854 Member
    Shoes! imo thats where the problem starts. Try to get as good of a cushion in there as you can.

    Good luck with the shin splints.

    I just have to disagree with the above. I'm one of those minimalist shoes/barefoot when it's warm types. Good cushioning can lead to all sorts of problems. I'm not saying good cushioning isn't right for some people but it's certainly not smart as blanket advice.
  • KassLamb
    KassLamb Posts: 98 Member
    I need to know what to do. I have a 5K next Saturday, and really, really want to participate. I paid $40 for this, which is a lot for a broke college student. Is there a way I can fix this in a week, or am I just going to have to pop some pain killers the day of? Can anybody out there help me out here?

    Shoes! imo thats where the problem starts. Try to get as good of a cushion in there as you can.

    Are your shoes to small? Do you have to cram your feet in them? how bout your arch and width? I like new balance for myself.

    Good luck

    Thanks. My shoes fit just fine. They're somewhat cushion-y, but not to the point of being bulky or heavy. If my shoes were going to be a problem, I wouldn't know how to pinpoint the problem. They're comfortable and they fit. As I said, beyond that, I don't know what to look for in a shoe.
  • Shoes! imo thats where the problem starts. Try to get as good of a cushion in there as you can.

    Good luck with the shin splints.

    I just have to disagree with the above. I'm one of those minimalist shoes/barefoot when it's warm types. Good cushioning can lead to all sorts of problems. I'm not saying good cushioning isn't right for some people but it's certainly not smart as blanket advice.

    ok barefoot contessa
  • I need to know what to do. I have a 5K next Saturday, and really, really want to participate. I paid $40 for this, which is a lot for a broke college student. Is there a way I can fix this in a week, or am I just going to have to pop some pain killers the day of? Can anybody out there help me out here?

    Shoes! imo thats where the problem starts. Try to get as good of a cushion in there as you can.

    Are your shoes to small? Do you have to cram your feet in them? how bout your arch and width? I like new balance for myself.

    Good luck

    Thanks. My shoes fit just fine. They're somewhat cushion-y, but not to the point of being bulky or heavy. If my shoes were going to be a problem, I wouldn't know how to pinpoint the problem. They're comfortable and they fit. As I said, beyond that, I don't know what to look for in a shoe.


    Is it both legs? how long have you been running?
  • nataliescalories
    nataliescalories Posts: 292 Member
    You could try calf compression sleeves, but that's more preventative. I've also heard good things about BioFreeze Gel (kind of like icy hot sort of stuff). Definitely ice and elevate. A massage helps me quite a bit too. Epsom salt bath perhaps? That's all I can think of. Best of luck!
  • KassLamb
    KassLamb Posts: 98 Member
    Shoes! imo thats where the problem starts. Try to get as good of a cushion in there as you can.

    Good luck with the shin splints.

    I just have to disagree with the above. I'm one of those minimalist shoes/barefoot when it's warm types. Good cushioning can lead to all sorts of problems. I'm not saying good cushioning isn't right for some people but it's certainly not smart as blanket advice.

    How do people keep their heads from exploding while shopping for shoes?

    Edited because I forgot my manners. I appreciate it, and thank you. It's just that there's so much conflicting information on this subject, and I don't know what to do with it.
  • KassLamb
    KassLamb Posts: 98 Member
    I need to know what to do. I have a 5K next Saturday, and really, really want to participate. I paid $40 for this, which is a lot for a broke college student. Is there a way I can fix this in a week, or am I just going to have to pop some pain killers the day of? Can anybody out there help me out here?

    Shoes! imo thats where the problem starts. Try to get as good of a cushion in there as you can.

    Are your shoes to small? Do you have to cram your feet in them? how bout your arch and width? I like new balance for myself.

    Good luck

    Thanks. My shoes fit just fine. They're somewhat cushion-y, but not to the point of being bulky or heavy. If my shoes were going to be a problem, I wouldn't know how to pinpoint the problem. They're comfortable and they fit. As I said, beyond that, I don't know what to look for in a shoe.


    Is it both legs? how long have you been running?

    Both legs, but mostly my right. I really haven't been actually running much. I've been doing mostly 30DS, and first noticed it during all those jumping jacks.
  • KassLamb
    KassLamb Posts: 98 Member
    You could try calf compression sleeves, but that's more preventative. I've also heard good things about BioFreeze Gel (kind of like icy hot sort of stuff). Definitely ice and elevate. A massage helps me quite a bit too. Epsom salt bath perhaps? That's all I can think of. Best of luck!

    Thank you so much! I will try all of these!
  • Xiaolongbao
    Xiaolongbao Posts: 854 Member
    How do people keep their heads from exploding while shopping for shoes?

    That's the beauty of barefeet. You don't need to buy any!
    (not strictly true unless you live somewhere very warm or are tough enough to run barefoot in the cold)
  • I need to know what to do. I have a 5K next Saturday, and really, really want to participate. I paid $40 for this, which is a lot for a broke college student. Is there a way I can fix this in a week, or am I just going to have to pop some pain killers the day of? Can anybody out there help me out here?

    Shoes! imo thats where the problem starts. Try to get as good of a cushion in there as you can.

    Are your shoes to small? Do you have to cram your feet in them? how bout your arch and width? I like new balance for myself.

    Good luck

    Thanks. My shoes fit just fine. They're somewhat cushion-y, but not to the point of being bulky or heavy. If my shoes were going to be a problem, I wouldn't know how to pinpoint the problem. They're comfortable and they fit. As I said, beyond that, I don't know what to look for in a shoe.


    Is it both legs? how long have you been running?

    Both legs, but mostly my right. I really haven't been actually running much. I've been doing mostly 30DS, and first noticed it during all those jumping jacks.

    I know I might sound crazy, but I can almost 100% guarantee it is your shoes. The fact that is just started happening maybe because you just started running points to your shoes. The jumping jacks brought it out because of the impact, you may be able to pick up some higher quality soles from a shoestore, do your homework though, I got some gels from walmart and they were no better than my originals.
  • upgetupgetup
    upgetupgetup Posts: 749 Member
    I'd just wait for another 5k.
  • KassLamb
    KassLamb Posts: 98 Member
    How do people keep their heads from exploding while shopping for shoes?

    That's the beauty of barefeet. You don't need to buy any!
    (not strictly true unless you live somewhere very warm or are tough enough to run barefoot in the cold)

    That actually made me lol. I was picturing myself trying to run barefoot on caliche rock, thorny weeds, and cacti. Barefoot may work on soft fluffy green grass or a sandy beach, but neither exist where I live.
  • KassLamb
    KassLamb Posts: 98 Member
    I need to know what to do. I have a 5K next Saturday, and really, really want to participate. I paid $40 for this, which is a lot for a broke college student. Is there a way I can fix this in a week, or am I just going to have to pop some pain killers the day of? Can anybody out there help me out here?

    Shoes! imo thats where the problem starts. Try to get as good of a cushion in there as you can.

    Are your shoes to small? Do you have to cram your feet in them? how bout your arch and width? I like new balance for myself.

    Good luck

    Thanks. My shoes fit just fine. They're somewhat cushion-y, but not to the point of being bulky or heavy. If my shoes were going to be a problem, I wouldn't know how to pinpoint the problem. They're comfortable and they fit. As I said, beyond that, I don't know what to look for in a shoe.


    Is it both legs? how long have you been running?

    Both legs, but mostly my right. I really haven't been actually running much. I've been doing mostly 30DS, and first noticed it during all those jumping jacks.

    I know I might sound crazy, but I can almost 100% guarantee it is your shoes. The fact that is just started happening maybe because you just started running points to your shoes. The jumping jacks brought it out because of the impact, you may be able to pick up some higher quality soles from a shoestore, do your homework though, I got some gels from walmart and they were no better than my originals.

    Perhaps I'll try that. What makes "higher quality"?
  • I need to know what to do. I have a 5K next Saturday, and really, really want to participate. I paid $40 for this, which is a lot for a broke college student. Is there a way I can fix this in a week, or am I just going to have to pop some pain killers the day of? Can anybody out there help me out here?


    Shoes! imo thats where the problem starts. Try to get as good of a cushion in there as you can.

    Are your shoes to small? Do you have to cram your feet in them? how bout your arch and width? I like new balance for myself.

    Good luck

    Thanks. My shoes fit just fine. They're somewhat cushion-y, but not to the point of being bulky or heavy. If my shoes were going to be a problem, I wouldn't know how to pinpoint the problem. They're comfortable and they fit. As I said, beyond that, I don't know what to look for in a shoe.


    Is it both legs? how long have you been running?

    Both legs, but mostly my right. I really haven't been actually running much. I've been doing mostly 30DS, and first noticed it during all those jumping jacks.

    I know I might sound crazy, but I can almost 100% guarantee it is your shoes. The fact that is just started happening maybe because you just started running points to your shoes. The jumping jacks brought it out because of the impact, you may be able to pick up some higher quality soles from a shoestore, do your homework though, I got some gels from walmart and they were no better than my originals.

    Perhaps I'll try that. What makes "higher quality"?

    Ya just check Amazons reviews, thats usually the best way to go.
  • KassLamb
    KassLamb Posts: 98 Member
    How do people keep their heads from exploding while shopping for shoes?

    That's the beauty of barefeet. You don't need to buy any!
    (not strictly true unless you live somewhere very warm or are tough enough to run barefoot in the cold)

    That actually made me lol. I was picturing myself trying to run barefoot on caliche rock, thorny weeds, and cacti. Barefoot may work on soft fluffy green grass or a sandy beach, but neither exist where I live.

    For the record, I am fascinated with the idea. I just don't think it would be practical for me in the shape that I'm in or the location I'm in. I'd want to try it sometime, though.
  • Xiaolongbao
    Xiaolongbao Posts: 854 Member
    How do people keep their heads from exploding while shopping for shoes?

    That's the beauty of barefeet. You don't need to buy any!
    (not strictly true unless you live somewhere very warm or are tough enough to run barefoot in the cold)

    That actually made me lol. I was picturing myself trying to run barefoot on caliche rock, thorny weeds, and cacti. Barefoot may work on soft fluffy green grass or a sandy beach, but neither exist where I live.

    For the record, I am fascinated with the idea. I just don't think it would be practical for me in the shape that I'm in or the location I'm in. I'd want to try it sometime, though.

    For the record I live in Tokyo and was running on the roads so trust me, I know it's not always ideal. And after a few months I caved and bought minimalist shoes so I don't actually run barefoot anymore. I'm not saying it's for everyone but I just know that my other running attempts have all ended with excruciating knee problems. For me the barefoot thing really helped with that. I'm now running 30km a week (3 runs) having built up from no running ability at all previously.
  • KassLamb
    KassLamb Posts: 98 Member

    Ya just check Amazons reviews, thats usually the best way to go.

    Ok. I looked at a few on Amazon. Yikes. Is it common to pay $30+ for a part of a shoe?
  • nataliescalories
    nataliescalories Posts: 292 Member
    How do people keep their heads from exploding while shopping for shoes?

    That's the beauty of barefeet. You don't need to buy any!
    (not strictly true unless you live somewhere very warm or are tough enough to run barefoot in the cold)

    That actually made me lol. I was picturing myself trying to run barefoot on caliche rock, thorny weeds, and cacti. Barefoot may work on soft fluffy green grass or a sandy beach, but neither exist where I live.

    For the record, I am fascinated with the idea. I just don't think it would be practical for me in the shape that I'm in or the location I'm in. I'd want to try it sometime, though.

    For the record I live in Tokyo and was running on the roads so trust me, I know it's not always ideal. And after a few months I caved and bought minimalist shoes so I don't actually run barefoot anymore. I'm not saying it's for everyone but I just know that my other running attempts have all ended with excruciating knee problems. For me the barefoot thing really helped with that. I'm now running 30km a week (3 runs) having built up from no running ability at all previously.

    I'm probably in the worst shape around (started in Jan at 340lbs and 5''7. Now 310 and I also am three years out from severing my Achilles' tendon). That said, the barefoot running (I use Vibrams KMD LS) has pretty much saved my life. I've raced in a 5k (and one 7k) every two weeks since mid-January with minimal (read normal) aching afterward. I could hardly walk for 15 minutes in expensive custom orthotics or other pricey sneakers before these shoes. I'd recommend them to anyone at any level. I'd probably sell Vibrams my first born child. Lol

  • Ya just check Amazons reviews, thats usually the best way to go.

    Ok. I looked at a few on Amazon. Yikes. Is it common to pay $30+ for a part of a shoe?

    Ya they can be pricey. I paid 15 for mine, but I think there are better for just a little more.
  • SJLS2013
    SJLS2013 Posts: 149 Member
    Make sure you're getting enough calcium.

    I get shin splints if I haven't eaten enough calcium, I have supplements for when I do get shin splints.

    (It's not always because of the shoes!)
  • nataliescalories
    nataliescalories Posts: 292 Member
    Make sure you're getting enough calcium.

    I get shin splints if I haven't eaten enough calcium, I have supplements for when I do get shin splints.

    (It's not always because of the shoes!)

    Might want to hold off on that calcium. My father-in-law and cousin are both medical researchers and recently warned me about calcium. I've cut out my calcium supplements since then.

    http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523200752.htm

    "But when the analysis looked at vitamin/mineral supplements, it found that those who took calcium supplements regularly were 86% more likely to have a heart attack than those who didn't use any supplements."
  • laynerdm
    laynerdm Posts: 16 Member
    Does your school have a Wellness Center? If so, they may be able to do gait testing and shoe analysis. Many specialty shoe stores do this too, but their goal is to sell you shoes. What constitutes the "right shoe" depends on a lot of individual factors like arch height and pronation. What's good for one person may not be good for their neighbor. If you do try barefoot style running, it is often advised that you start small and build. No more than 10% of your miles at first, then build up each week or two.