&!@$%* Shin Splints!

Options
2»

Replies

  • InfamousQ
    InfamousQ Posts: 266 Member
    Options
    One thing I recommend is Vibram five finger running shoes my wife had real bad shine splints and I told her to get the shoes now she says she has none and that it is much easier to run outside. I have also notice that those shoes help correct knee problems and strengthen your legs....just my two cents
  • lollie1285
    lollie1285 Posts: 239 Member
    Options
    I can't work out at all because of this issue. But mine is a tibial stress fracture which is a step above shin splints. It's apparently healed but I've had constant pain for years and nobody can figure out why. So terrible.
  • KPstartingover
    KPstartingover Posts: 268 Member
    Options
    I have said the same thing about my shin splints - mine particularly acted up on the treadmill this winter. I just couldn't walk or run on the treadmill. I switched to the arc trainer and elliptical machines for indoor workouts. Now that it's warmer and nice to be outside, I wanted to start running again. I bought a cushioning shoe - Nike Air Pegasus, and bought insoles as well (mine were about $30 at Foot Locker). They also feel like walking on a cloud. I'm hoping they will do the trick.

    Thanks to all the other suggestions on this thread, I will be kneeling to stretch and writing the abc's with my feet.
  • ldon37
    ldon37 Posts: 145 Member
    Options
    I can't work out at all because of this issue. But mine is a tibial stress fracture which is a step above shin splints. It's apparently healed but I've had constant pain for years and nobody can figure out why. So terrible.

    You may want to research compartment syndrome. I think that is what it is called. Good luck and I hope you do not have this.
  • lollie1285
    lollie1285 Posts: 239 Member
    Options
    I can't work out at all because of this issue. But mine is a tibial stress fracture which is a step above shin splints. It's apparently healed but I've had constant pain for years and nobody can figure out why. So terrible.

    You may want to research compartment syndrome. I think that is what it is called. Good luck and I hope you do not have this.

    Yeah, I've been told it's possibly compartment syndrome. I'm visiting another specialist next week so we'll see what he says. You're right on the money though!
  • Becky1971
    Becky1971 Posts: 979 Member
    Options
    This is what I have been doing to prepare for running. But it didn't help at all.
    I saw this on someones signature in the forum and I would like to share because I have had a cramp in my foot all day. I did this once and it seems to be helping. (See below)

    CURE SHIN SPLINTS!!!! Sit down, couch or desk ---> Point your toes out --> Write out the alphabet with your toes --> Do this three times a day You WILL BE HEALED ! I promise
  • Becky1971
    Becky1971 Posts: 979 Member
    Options
    How do you guys continue to run with shin splints? I couldn't hardly walk this weekend with them.

    It was so bad I'm afraid to try running again. I don't want to deal with it again, and I don't want to have to go days without working out.
    Stretch, stretch, stretch. Point the toe out, then pull the lower leg against the back of the thigh. I've always had shin splints (even from extended walking) and this stretch seems to work the best for me. Do it before your run, then after. You should notice a difference. Also, stay hydrated. Lack of hydration can cause the muscles in the lower leg to tighten, which aggravates the problem.
  • TS65
    TS65 Posts: 1,024 Member
    Options
    Shin splints are often caused by improper running stride (meaning you strike with your heel instead of landing on the middle of your foot).

    People are sometimes so focused on speed or distance they forget to focus on what can completely sideline you - not running correctly.

    http://video.about.com/running/Proper-Running-Form.htm or google "proper running stride" for other examples.
  • Leslie2273
    Leslie2273 Posts: 152 Member
    Options
    Bump.

    I have shin splints too.
  • runner_girl83
    runner_girl83 Posts: 553 Member
    Options
    I am almost ready to disown my left leg! Years ago, I had shin splints on and off in both legs. After working on my form and getting a more neutral shoe (nike air pegasus 32), I got rid of the shin splints in my right leg (yahoooo!!!!) Although they are still hanging around in my left shin.

    Physio helps and exercises. My physio has given me the 'ok' to continue running with 2-3 days rest between runs and dropping it right back to 2km per run. I also bought compression sleeves for my shins (2XU are the ones I have, though there are some other really good brands out there that all do the same job!) I ice my legs religiously after each run and the day before my next run I apply a heat pack for a bit. I also have a roller to roll my legs out and a little hand-held massage ball to help work on the painful areas (this hurts but is meant to be really good to help reset difficult areas of the muscles around the shin).

    Good news.. My leg felt better when I dropped the distance back and ran 2km twice a week.
    Bad news was, after a few weeks I jumped the gun and rather than increasing slowly, I felt great.. so kept on running and hit the 5km mark. I was over the moon.. I had never run 5km before and felt fantastic!

    Next day and ever since, my shin felt battered, bruised and complains about any exercise remotely faster than walking.

    I am cranky and have arguments with my leg on a daily basis .. It is time to rest for a few days and ice, compress and massage it back to some form of better health.

    I have a 5km run on Saturday (gulp) But I am thinking after that I will drop back to 2km runs again and start again! I hate the starting all-over again.. It's so frustrating! I know of people who just wake up and decide they are going to be runners and run 5km, then 10km and never endure an injury... It drives me crazy!!
  • mbaker566
    mbaker566 Posts: 11,233 Member
    Options
    i might suggest resting and when your legs are ready again, try a b210k or c25k to build up slowly and hopefully avoid injury.
    and make sure you have properly fitted shoes.
  • _Waffle_
    _Waffle_ Posts: 13,049 Member
    Options
    If you're a newer runner and specifically if you're a woman (Lower bone density) you're more likely to get these. New shoes, icing the shins after a run, and stretches help but more than likely you need to back off on the miles and work on strengthening your calves and hip muscles.

    http://running.competitor.com/2014/04/injury-prevention/how-to-treat-and-beat-shin-splints_99140

    I had this in one leg earlier in the year. After 4 back to back 50+ mile weeks my right shin started bothering me. Backing off the mileage was all that was necessary to make it better. Just be patient and know that recovery is part of running. Rest when you need it.

Categories