Can't run because of shin splints
Replies
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I don't need to be told 'go to a doctor'. If that's your advice move on. Looking for useful experience and insight if you have it.
Actually, I think maybe you do need to be told that since you seem to have not done it. It's the most obvious course of action, and probably the most effective.
You say you're not a runner. Why not do something other than run?0 -
Shin splints are caused by the terrible toos - too much, too soon, too hard.
This. I went to my doctor (because when you are in pain, that's the normal thing to do) and she told me the above. Too much too soon. Instead of running start walking. Once you've gotten your endurance/fitness/distance down, then slowly incorporate someyhing like c25k.
In other words, walk - don't run.0 -
I don't need to be told 'go to a doctor'. If that's your advice move on. Looking for useful experience and insight if you have it.
How about a sports physiotherapist then?
You need professional help mate, that's the long and the short of it.
Don't turn a niggle into a chronic condition.0 -
I don't need to be told 'go to a doctor'. If that's your advice move on. Looking for useful experience and insight if you have it.
Actually, I think maybe you do need to be told that since you seem to have not done it. It's the most obvious course of action, and probably the most effective.
You say you're not a runner. Why not do something other than run?
I agree...Maybe you shouldn't run. This topic is FILLED with wonderful advice and you have shot everyone down because you seem to have "tried it all".0 -
I don't need to be told 'go to a doctor'. If that's your advice move on. Looking for useful experience and insight if you have it.
Actually, I think maybe you do need to be told that since you seem to have not done it. It's the most obvious course of action, and probably the most effective.
You say you're not a runner. Why not do something other than run?
I agree...Maybe you shouldn't run. This topic is FILLED with wonderful advice and you have shot everyone down because you seem to have "tried it all".
And yet, despite all the awesome information that is dismissed. It comes down to the disclaimer that is on every page:
Posts by members, moderators and admins should not be considered medical advice and no guarantee is made against accuracy.
Thus.
Go see a....
That's right...
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Can't do c25k, running for even 30 secs is difficult. I have rested long enough to be fully recovered only to get the pain again from trying. And I can't run that fast, best I can manage is a jog speed, sometimes barely faster than a fast walk.
If that is the speed you can run without pain then that is the speed you should go to begin with. lots of people start too fast and get shin splints - slower is better - speed will come with time.
If you can't even manage a very slow jog without pain then yes - it is time to go the Dr's because that is not normal0 -
I'm just gonna throw this out there. I had headaches daily for over a year. I convinced myself it was dehydration, tension headaches, etc. Finally went to the doctor after some additional symptoms came into the picture...turns out I have a rare brain disorder and needed brain surgery in order to continue living.
So yeah, that's all.0 -
You have asked for useful experience.
My experience is similar to yours. I wanted to run, but never could because of recurrent knee problems.
I... went to a doctor. I'd tell you the what he did, but it's pointless because you aren't me.
Now I regularly run 6 - 10 mile routes, 15 - 20 miles a week, I run intervals, I hill-run, I trail run, I run a sub-25 minute 5k. I'm considering a half marathon in April, and a triathlon in August. I can conceivably see a full marathon in the next two years.
Seriously, man. Go see a doctor. That's what they are there for.
If you don't want to see a doctor, give up on your running aspirations. Best case it's going nowhere. Worst case you are going to injure yourself seriously, and permanently. Sorry to be blunt, but that's just the way it is.0 -
For the record I haven't said I didn't see doctors or that I wouldn't continue to see doctors. For those of you that offered useful and practical experience rather than assumptions and accusations, thank you. Useful information is what I was looking for and that was much appreciated.0
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If NOTHING has helped then I'm thinking you aren't actually giving yourself enough time to heal before running again. If the shin splints are severe enough it may be stress fractures and those can take MONTHS to heal. I'd double your recovery time, even when you think you're better give it another couple of weeks and then take the advice that the majority has posted (which is also what has worked for me!) Get some comfy minimalist shoes (not saying no padding at all but something w/ a very small degree of drop from heal to toe), start with short distances, slow your pace, and don't over stride. Also remember to take rest days!
My two cents.0 -
I've had really bad shin splints since I was a teenager...Proper shoes and if it's cooler seem to help for me.0
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I was going to suggest those - my shin splints cleared up when I transitioned to 'barefoot' running with minimalist shoes.Minimalist shoes are awful they make it worse. And I do and have done most all the stretching exercises here, stretching and shoes are not the issue.
When you ran in minimals were you heel-striking? If you can transition to mid-foot striking that might help; the shock of impact is absorbed through the flex of your foot and heel rather than shooting through the shin into the knee.
That's my only advice, I'm afraid, but good luck!0 -
I'm an obese runner and never had this problem, you probably can't blame it on the weight. Sometimes I get aches and pains, but never instantly.
yeah.... I've had some hammie and hip issues (mostly just tightness), but not shin splints and I haven't gotten fitted for shoes and run on pavement every time. maybe biking or power walking would be more agreeable for you OP.0 -
The only thing I can think of that hasn't been suggested and rejected is walking.
Before I even started C25k, I walked for months. I started off small - 20 minute walks, and worked my way up to 45-60 minutes. I gradually increased my pace until it was uncomfortable and getting hard to maintain for the full distance.
I believe this helped provide a foundation for my C25k. It got my body used to the impact of walking at pace before I asked it to endure running. Perhaps that would help you also.
But really, as much as it's going to piss you off more, the very best thing you can do is consult a medical professional.0 -
Didn't have time to read all the replies. Shin Splints show up for me for 4 reasons:
#1 Worn out shoes
#2 Too much time on concrete....I like to use softer trails when possible
#3 Eliptical or treadmill (every time guaranteed for me)
#4 Failure to taking my stretching (especially lower body) seriously. And by seriously, I mean after EVERY run. Eventually the shins will tell the story.
Don't know if any of those are your problem, but I just finished my first full marathon at age 42 (2 1/4 years into running) and I had plenty of shin pain throughout the training.
I also find that when I DO have shin pain...icing the shin(s) immediately after the run helps immensely.
There's my two cents worth.0 -
If running hurts and nothing is helping.... you changed your shoes, you've stretched you've done everything else... All I can say is.
Stop running, then.
The end. do something else. Listen to your body, not everyone is a runner, and forcing yourself could cause injury.0 -
I did not read the whole thread, so if said already, my apologies.
Run in a pool.
Good luck on your lossing man, keep it up!0 -
For the record I haven't said I didn't see doctors or that I wouldn't continue to see doctors. For those of you that offered useful and practical experience rather than assumptions and accusations, thank you. Useful information is what I was looking for and that was much appreciated.
Oh! Well it might be helpful if you shared your physician's diagnosis and treatment schedule with us, so we can better understand what your condition is and what he has had you try out so far.0 -
Have you tried minimalist running shoes...doesn't have to be the Vibram Five Fingers, many manufacturer's make them now. Strangely I used to get shin splints when I was on high school track, but just don't really get them anymore.
That said, one of my friends who runs a lot and got shin splints a lot switched to minimalist running shoes and hasn't been getting them.
A stretching technique that has worked for me is to point my toe toward the floor and basically "write the alphabet" a few times with each leg. That and straight ice. In school the trainer made ice in Dixie cups. He'd have us sit on a towel and just rub the cup of ice up and down our shins, tearing the cup down as the ice melted. We would do it until it was gone.
A change to minimalist shoes worked for me too. I use running flats, however.0 -
So I'd like to run, but can't because of shin splints. They are pretty severe, I can't go more than hundred feet without some pretty intense pain. I have in fact been dealing with shin splints for years. I'm also not an athlete, I have no history of running and I never truly tried it before. But my cardiovascular health and health in general is excellent, so it's not like I don't have the energy to run.
All that said, I tried searching for more information here and elsewhere and I'm not really getting the kind of advanced information I'm hoping for. Things I have tried that don't help:
Compression sleeves
Stretching and foam rollers
Rest and extended breaks
New and custom fitted athletic/running shoes
Hot and cold treatments
Different running techniques (ball of foot, ball and heel, doesn't matter)
About the only thing I'm left with is "lose more weight" which as you can see I'm in the process of doing. Assuming its even possible for me to run, and it may not be because of stress fractures or who knows what, that might be the only way. Im hoping someone else will some information that's useful.
I really struggled when I started to run with shin splints.
I've found alternating running with swimming seems to be really helping, it's strengthening the muscle slowly.
Try swimming one day and running the next - try running on grass and make sure you have some good shoes (I was running in terrible shoes and that was making the pain worse!)0 -
in addition to some of the previous suggestions, also be sure you're hydrating and stretching adequately as these are vital to running without injury. shin pain and muscle cramping is increased with dehydration. go slow, be patient with yourself, keep trying, and go as far as you can until the pain starts and then try again next time to go farther. not everyone is a runner first time out the door -- it takes time to build up the endurance and to push through the initial physical pains. that said, DO see a doctor in case you have another issue, and consider seeing a running coach.0
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If running hurts and nothing is helping.... you changed your shoes, you've stretched you've done everything else... All I can say is.
Stop running, then.
The end. do something else. Listen to your body, not everyone is a runner, and forcing yourself could cause injury.
This might be the case. You're not the first person to suggest this or consider it possible. It doesn't make me happy but it could be true.
I do other stuff. Many other things. But when running is the thing you want to do I guess you just keep trying to figure out ways to make it happen. Listening to my body is something I think I'm pretty good at. Believe me I know when it hurts like this it's not something a person pushes through. You stop and listen.0 -
Long ago my best friend and I were in a weight loss and health plan together, everything was discussed with each other. One day she told me "I'm not a doctor, but..." So I guess I mistook her for a doctor. At another time we were discussing things and I asked her what her opinion was, and she told me "see your doctor". We both worked at the same place and got complete yearly blood-work and physicals by the company doctor, plus went to our own doctor yearly and when necessary. So I can see where the OP does not want to be told to go to the doctor, because in general, adults do that without having to be told. But I understand some of the people telling him, why are you trying to run when its evident that something is not letting you run? Its been a dream of mine ever since I had to stop for the same reason, so I run in my dreams, and do other stuff for physical exertion. Running is out of my life and I'm afraid its out forever, but I make do. I hope you have success OP, don't let frustrations get you down, its just not for everybody.0
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If running hurts and nothing is helping.... you changed your shoes, you've stretched you've done everything else... All I can say is.
Stop running, then.
The end. do something else. Listen to your body, not everyone is a runner, and forcing yourself could cause injury.
This might be the case. You're not the first person to suggest this or consider it possible. It doesn't make me happy but it could be true.
I do other stuff. Many other things. But when running is the thing you want to do I guess you just keep trying to figure out ways to make it happen. Listening to my body is something I think I'm pretty good at. Believe me I know when it hurts like this it's not something a person pushes through. You stop and listen.
If you're keen on being a runner, maybe take a break and try again later.... sometimes all we need is a little time.0 -
Hi, looked at your dairy, and to be honest you are not going to lose weight eating Chipotle & McDonalds..If you clean up your diet and eat healthy, high protein, low sodium foods ect you will lose weight without having to worry about if you can run.. Try Spinning, or Stairmaster, weightlifting is the best way if you have leg issues, train hard & eat clean, educate yourself , the weight will come off. goodluck0
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I also have horrible shin splints. I play softball and sprinting to first base is enough to cause severe pain the next day. I've recently started adding jogging into my walking routine (1 minute spurts), and the only way that I can handle the pain is to take at least 3 ibuprofin 30 minutes before I head out and I bought Dr. Scholl's inserts for arch support. I made sure the inserts specifically said "shock absorbing." I'm like you and have tried everything the internet said to do and this is the most affective for me. Good luck with your goals!!0
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Hi, looked at your dairy, and to be honest you are not going to lose weight eating Chipotle & McDonalds..If you clean up your diet and eat healthy, high protein, low sodium foods ect you will lose weight without having to worry about if you can run.. Try Spinning, or Stairmaster, weightlifting is the best way if you have leg issues, train hard & eat clean, educate yourself , the weight will come off. goodluck
Oh hai.
Looks like OP and I have combined to lose 34 times more weight than you have, so it's interesting that you tell us the way we eat is "not going to work."
Anyway, I'm guessing OP doesn't have health insurance is and unwilling or unable to pay regular doctor fees. He clearly has not seen a doctor, and he clearly has no intention of seeing one.0 -
From my own personal experience, I got beyond the problem by switching to high quality running shoes and stick to a treadmill which is more forgiving than pavement. I hope you can figure this out. I have enjoyed the ability to add running to my cardio routine. :happy: Good luck!0
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Hi, looked at your dairy, and to be honest you are not going to lose weight eating Chipotle & McDonalds..If you clean up your diet and eat healthy, high protein, low sodium foods ect you will lose weight without having to worry about if you can run.. Try Spinning, or Stairmaster, weightlifting is the best way if you have leg issues, train hard & eat clean, educate yourself , the weight will come off. goodluck
Oh hai.
Looks like OP and I have combined to lose 34 times more weight than you have, so it's interesting that you tell us the way we eat is "not going to work."
Here we gooooooo!0 -
Hi, looked at your dairy, and to be honest you are not going to lose weight eating Chipotle & McDonalds..If you clean up your diet and eat healthy, high protein, low sodium foods ect you will lose weight without having to worry about if you can run.. Try Spinning, or Stairmaster, weightlifting is the best way if you have leg issues, train hard & eat clean, educate yourself , the weight will come off. goodluck
Oh hai.
Looks like OP and I have combined to lose 34 times more weight than you have, so it's interesting that you tell us the way we eat is "not going to work."
Here we gooooooo!
Someone's gotta save this thread.0
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