Shin Splints :(

amblight
amblight Posts: 350 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
When I was my heaviest, I got shin splints very very easily - like, if I jogged to catch the bus, I would have shin splints. So forget about running!!

I had hoped that with the weight I have lost, the stress on my shins would be so much less that I could actually soon pick up running (I want to focus on strenght training, but running is so convinient, not being dependent on a gym or anything), but, over this weekend, I did a lot of brisk walking, and my shins are just painful today! :(

What can I do? I still have 33lbs until I'm 'normal weight', should I just hope that my shins can take my weight by then? Or is there something I can do at the gym to prevent shin splints?

I'm going on vacation pretty soon, and I would love being able to jog a bit at least, as I will have no access to gym or bicycle,

Replies

  • ND_Figgzie
    ND_Figgzie Posts: 1,480
    unfortunately, I think icing and resting is all that can be done. Shin splints don't work themselves out and you can't pound through them. when ever you are going to run, try doing toe tappers to stretch them out to prepare them. take it easy though.
  • loubidy
    loubidy Posts: 440 Member
    I have just gotten over mine. First if all wait for them to heal, this is very important. Now try and alter HOW you run. I've always walked and ran with my toes pointed inwards and got them within a minute of jogging. DO NOT push through the pain, it makes them worse and take longer to heal. I have recently started running with my toes pointed outwards and slowly. Since this I've ran further than ever before!

    It could be as simple and getting your running right, landing on your toe first?

    Good luck and please look after yourself!
  • Frankii_x
    Frankii_x Posts: 238
    Ice and rest. I personally have never just sat and waited for them to stop completely because if you did that and they hurt just from brisk walking it will be a vicious cycle - you'll try a walk and it will hurt so you won't walk again for a week or so. Obviously I don't know what is right for you and your body but for me, I take ibuprofen half an hour before a run, make sure I do a lotttttt of warming up, do my run and then cool down/stretch and ice after. I still suffer with shin splints but am now in training for my third half marathon and my first full marathon.

    If you haven't already, check that your shoes/trainers are the right for you and your walking style because if you wear shoes which lack support that can aggravate any pre-existing problems.

    I think there's a common misconception that runners are always pain free, I always have a little niggle here and there. I've now learnt how to differentiate between things being uncomfortable and things being painful and problematic.

    Hope that helps. :)

Categories