Shin splints. Please help!

I think a trip to the doctor makes sense as well as it seems you have a lingering injury

Before and after running, sit down and air-write your name and the alphabet with each foot. It is a good way of loosening up the shin muscles. But once you have shin splints, they seem to take a while to get rid of, so even if it seems like you're fine, I'd still recommend doing this kind of stretch. I asked a physical education teacher how to help shin splints and this is what he recommended. You can keep doing your other leg stretches too.

Hello everyone, I'm new to the MFP community and after reading through this discussion I would like to offer my suggestions. I am a Certified Athletic Trainer (not the gym guy, we are highly trained in the prevention and treatment of injuries) I have an extensive background in biomechanics, functional anatomy and physical therapy and ergonomics. This situation is very similar to many situation I encounter in my consulting practice. Everyone wants to fix their aches and pains with the latest product on the market. The dog chasing it's tail syndrome. Shin splints are due to excessive/overuse of the 3 skinny long muscles of the posterior calf, Flexor Digitorum, Flexor Hallucis Longus and Tibialus Posterior. These three muscle are being over used. Most of us agree on this. The problem isn't with the shoes or the surface, although these all contribute, the problem is in your GAIT and the fact that you have mentioned you are an "OVER PRONATOR" suggests a biomechanical problem with your gait which no shoe or surface will fix. The problem lies in what we call "ENERGY LEAKS" or faulty mechanics of the ankle, knee and hip not to mention the entire kinetic chain. You need to address the "OVER PRONATION" from a STRENGTH perspective. The best way to explain this is stand infront of a mirror with a pair of shorts on so you can see your knees. Standing comfortably notice that your feet may point outward, your arches may be flattened and then look at your knee cap (patella), it is probably pointing inward or not in alignment with your feet. Now tighten your gluteal muscles or imagine turning your knees outward without moving your feet. You will notice the arch of your foot lifts and the "OVER PRONATION" seems to be fixed. The problem isn't in your feet, the shin splints and fallen arches etc are only the signs and symptoms of faulty mechanics that NEEDS to be addressed. The strong postural muscles, Psoas and Illiacus... your HIP FLEXORS, are external rotators of the femur as well as your gluteal muscles, and in combination they provide the real stability of the entire leg, and help minimize overuse of the smaller muscles below. Warm up, stretch, get new shoes... all that is great, however your pelvic postural muscles are weak and providing an "ENERGY LEAK" thoughout your gait mechanics. You need to STRENGTHEN not stretch muscles. STRONG muscules provide the support and maintain the proper gait pattern to minimize this breakdown and overuse of weaker smaller muscles. Someone suggested seeing a physical therapist or exercise physiologist and I agree. However if the regiment is designed behind stretching tight muscles not strengthening the weak ones find another person. Hope this has been somewhat insightful and helpful, again it's my professional recommendation based on emperical research and experience of working with 1000 of clients, it's up to you if you want to continue looking for the "PRODUCT" to fix your problem or go after the true cause.
Thanks everyone!