Always getting shin splints when running, why?

I get shin splints, too, so I walk instead of run. I asked somebody about it, who told me the front of my legs needed to be strengthened. They suggested sitting in a chair and lifting something with my feet/lower legs over and over.

I've found that running on soft ground as opposed to asphalt has helped (I go to a circular track that is paved but is surrounded by dirt and grass so I just stay on the outside). Also looking in to purchasing some compression socks/hose as these are supposed to help as well.

Shin splints are no fun, hope you find something to help ya!

check your shoes.you might need new inserts.

I have suffered from ridiculous shin splints for years. To the point of them being crippling. The best thing you can do is try and rehab the muscles. If you google it there are tons of exercises that pop up. I personally find that heel and toe walking (walk on your heels with your toes up, walk on your tip toes) are the most successful for me. Also, ballet really helped me when I was doing it (again I think it was the tiptoe thing).

Also, as another person pointed out, SHOES! When I was fitted for shoes they put me in these super stabilizer things and they made my splints so much worse. So I switched up and got super soft shoes and that made a huge difference for me, far less pain.

Good luck!

(if none of this works, see a physical therapist)

It's possible your doing a heel strike which is what I did until I change my running form to a mid-foot strike. It has definitely helped with shin splints and lower back pain for me. Check out www.goodrunningform.com. Also, go to a professional running store shop to have them assess what shoes your should be using and if you may need orthodics. Some stores offer running clinics too that help teach the right way to run. Until then make sure you give your legs plenty of rest. Best of luck!

you said you got new shoes, are they specifically running shoes and do you use them only to run????
this is very important. running shoes should not be worn daily, they wear out too quickly. they should be specifically designed for runners, and if possible fitted to your feet and your stride by someone who knows how to do it.
also, make sure you are placing your foot right. landing on your toes is bad, some shoes are designed with cushioning in the heel so you can land on your heel and roll. But in general a mid-foot strike is best.

also, as someone suggested, running on pavement is hard on the joints. if at all possible, run on something with more give.

SHOES! Go to a local runnng store and they will watch you walk, evaluate your current shoe wear pattern, and recommend the type of shoe for you.

I tried running multiple times in the past, always got shin splints and would quit after a month. Got the right shows, now I am training for a half marathon and have grown to LOVE running. I cannot recommend proper shoes enough.

I have started power walking and I get shin splints. I have found the best thing to do is:
1. stretches before and after exercise.
2. rotate the ankles when sitting
3.slow down and lessen your stride.

Good luck!! x

I'm a novice runner, and I found myself with the same situation, and like yourself it was pretty much driving me mad. I changed my shoes as well, but also my speed and stride. Eventually after a few sessions I no longer get them. Try walking for a bit before you run to warm up a bit. Good luck.

Wow, thanks everyone for the advice. I will check out the running form website. I am a heal-striker when I run for sure which may be the problem. I'm also very uptight when I run thinking I'm trying to hold form. You guys are life savers! Thanks!

Running minimalist will allow you to run naturally with a mid/forefoot plant. Engineered running shoes have created more problems then they have solved & enable the runner to adopt bad form. Running is as natural as breathing. Let your feet work as nature intended them to. Shin splints is a modern affliction.

As some above have advised, let your legs heal first & do not try to run through it. Shin splints and stress fractures have the same symptoms.

If you have questions feel free to hit me up.

Chances are you are heel striking and overpronating.

Your body was not designed to do this so it rewards you with painful shins for your efforts.

You can either:
- Get better shoes, which will allow to to continue to run in way your body was not designed to do, a little more comfortably than you do now.
- Learn to run the way your body was designed to run (forefoot strike), which should completely eliminate splints for good.

Totally agree with this. I had the same problem. I was trying to run too fast and heel striking at the same time. Slow down. Check out chi running which might help your running form/posture.