Shin splints

SivirSarah
SivirSarah Posts: 74
edited September 24 in Health and Weight Loss
Hey everyone, I was just wondering if anyone had any advice on how to prevent shin splints. I had them when i was younder and i really don't wann get them again. Oh and if anyone had advice on what to do if u have them then that'd be great

Replies

  • alison2429
    alison2429 Posts: 236 Member
    I understand that you get these when you increase yor mileage drastically or your trainers need replacing. I have found when I have suffered from them that I should just run through them. I know this is hard and can be painful but if none of the other things could be a cause you could try running through it.
    To ease the pain when you get home you should massage them up from the ankle to the knee. Ice helps too ofcourse.
    Hope this helps.
    Good luck!
  • nighthawk327
    nighthawk327 Posts: 79
    I'm curious about this myself. :)
  • KidP
    KidP Posts: 247 Member
    I've had them before & they're awful. I found that as i tried to run through them, it got to a point where i couldn't walk, let alone run.

    There are preventative exercises that you can do. I've not tried them (i bike & walk instead of running). If you do a little googling, you'll probably find what you're looking for.
  • Athena413
    Athena413 Posts: 1,709 Member
    Make sure you have good shoes. If you have a local running store, see if they do gait analysis. A lot of running stores will do gait analysis for free and then can recommend a shoe that's good for your foot. I did this about 2 months ago when I was having knee/shin pain and the pain went away almost immediately because I was finally getting good support!
  • gregmroberts
    gregmroberts Posts: 8
    While you have them, the best thing to do is ice them once you have completed your run. In order to prevent, you need to do some leg workouts at the gym. Strengthening your leg muscles is the best thing to prevent shin splints and sore knees. The top excercise to recommend would be a flexion type exercise (very popular). Ask the folks at the gym, and they will show you. Good luck, and happy running!!!
  • GinoATC
    GinoATC Posts: 60
    To Prevent:
    - Strengthen your anterior leg muscles by walk 15 feet on your heels, toes pointed forward. Again with toes pointed out. And again toes pointed in. Do this every day twice a day if possible and it will help.
    - Stretch your calf
    - Try to run on softer surfaces i.e. track grass gravle paths, avoid concrete.
    - Shin splint sleeve


    To Help If You Do Get Them:
    - ICE!! If you have paper cups fill a couple with water and freeze. After a run take out of freezer and tear the top of the cup off and massage your leg.
    - Ibuprophen if you aren't opposed to meds.
    - Be sure you dont have a stress fracture. If you can point with your finger, 1 spot on your leg where the pain is, and the pain is not general across the front of your leg you may have a stress fracture.

    Hope this helps.
  • kje2011
    kje2011 Posts: 502 Member
    You may need new running shoes, that is the most important thing. Run on flat surface or very slight incline on treadmill. Strengthen and stretch.
    Good luck, and keep with it!
  • SivirSarah
    SivirSarah Posts: 74
    thanks all that is very informitive. I think i will go buy some actually running shoes and try those stretches. :)
  • ChristineMiller2
    ChristineMiller2 Posts: 116
    make sure you are stretching enough AFTER you work out, drink lots of water.

    If you get them REST, ice and a massage is great for healing
  • Kristie18
    Kristie18 Posts: 332 Member
    I have them to. I need to try the advice given. THEY HURT<>feel better soon
This discussion has been closed.

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