Battling Shin Splits

Melissa198166 · September 2015

Hello! I've been walking four times a week, for two miles for a few months now. Lately I've been incorporating running into my walk and slowly increasing the time. However, the more time I increase with running, the more I tend to get painful shin splits to where I can't take my workout to the "next level". Is this something I need to go to the doctor about, or will it eventually go away the more I run during my walks? Will a better supportive shoe help? I do run on concrete/cement, and I read that hard surfaces can cause shin splits as well. Any feedback would be helpful, thank you!

coreyreichle · September 2015

Check your form:
http://running.competitor.com/2013/06/training/the-five-most-common-running-form-mistakes_48731

However, is it shin splints, or is it just muscle soreness in your shin from starting to run? I do know that my shin muscles hurt for the first mile or so of my runs, afterwards, it just tapers off pretty quickly.

IsaackGMOON · September 2015

You shouldn't be running or doing any activity which aggravates shin splints if you already have them. That is a very bad idea as it can prolong recovery and potentially make the situation worse.

What is your foot strike? And did you have a certain selection of shoes pointed out to you after a gait analysis?

PRICE; Protect - Rest - Ice - Compress - Elevate

mbaker566 · September 2015

make sure you have good form and good shoes.
in the meantime, do not run or walk more than you need to. you need to PRICE-see above

fivelongmiles · September 2015

When I had the first really bad flare-up, I had no choice about resting (I had competitions for gymnastics and a lot of dance-heavy shows back to back) and they became so bad I was being checked for stress fractures because of the level of pain. They never got completely better. One bad landing and they're an issue again. They can be fine for months and cause me no pain, but still be tender to the touch during that time.

If it's definitely shin splints, rest. Don't become like me! You have the opportunity to let them get better, so take it. If you do something and it hurts, switch it for something that doesn't.

juliet3455 · September 2015

@Melissa198166 Start looking at What shoes you are running in?
One from a shop dedicated to running or are you using a generic athletic trainer/walking shoe?
Are you using the C25K program or some other structured plan to add running to your routine?

scottb81 wrote: »

Get the right show for your foot, but don't depend on the cushioning to fix your problems. In reality the cushioning feels good but makes such a trivial difference in the impact forces your body experiences in running that it really is of no help at all.

The best way to reduce impact forces and address running pains is by fixing your running form and doing it in such a way as to minimize the stress to your bones and joints. Google "Good Form Running" for details.

Here is a Search link which will show multiple questions about Running Shoes.
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/search?Page=p2&adv=1&search=running+shoes&title=&author=&cat=all&tags=&discussion_d=1&comment_c=1&group_group=1&within=1+day&date=

Here is a link to the C25K group on MFP
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/30-couch-to-5k-running-program-c25k

and a link to a search string about C25K program
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/search?adv=1&search=C25K+program&title=&author=&cat=all&tags=&discussion_d=1&comment_c=1&group_group=1&within=1+day&date=

beemerphile1 · September 2015

Shin splints are generally an overuse injury. Too much too soon. Rest and be sure you are wearing quality shoes when running.

Battling Shin Splits

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