Shin splits

jesienia
jesienia Posts: 294
edited September 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I have a horrible case of shin splits in both legs at the moment and my ankles are hurting as well. Should I suck it up and exercise anyway or rest for a few days? What exercises would be best right now? I hate not running, but it hurts even when I'm not moving...so I'm guessing running would be stupid right now. lol

Any advice on the matter would be great!

Replies

  • fastbelly
    fastbelly Posts: 727 Member
    Rest, if you push it will only get worst.
  • jasmineconley
    jasmineconley Posts: 438 Member
    stretch the shins and ice them
  • maryd523
    maryd523 Posts: 661 Member
    Yes, if you run on shin splints it will only make them worse. Do some swimming, or walking.
  • SDkitty
    SDkitty Posts: 446 Member
    Definitely rest those legs, I used to get shin splints really bad until I got orthodics made and I tried to push through once and ended up barely being able to walk I was in so much pain. I wouldn't even recommend walking (for exercise) the first day, but swimming is good or if you have access to one of those glider thingamajigs :)
  • RJSuperMan
    RJSuperMan Posts: 52 Member
    You might want to see your doctor. If the tissue separates from the bone, you've got months of rehab. Or, it could already be a stress fracture.... How strong is your core? A strong core will help you take some stress of your legs. Are you what I call a puddle jumper? If EVERYTHING shakes when your foot hits the ground, you're puddle jumper. Make sure your stride is long and smooth. Splints are impact injuries.
  • jesienia
    jesienia Posts: 294
    You might want to see your doctor. If the tissue separates from the bone, you've got months of rehab. Or, it could already be a stress fracture.... How strong is your core? A strong core will help you take some stress of your legs. Are you what I call a puddle jumper? If EVERYTHING shakes when your foot hits the ground, you're puddle jumper. Make sure your stride is long and smooth. Splints are impact injuries.

    I have an appointment monday, so I will definitely mention this to my doctor. This is the second time this has happened in the past 2 months. I do have a strong core....and I'm not sure if I am a puddle jumper. It's possible. Whenever I get back to running, I'll make sure to have correct form and watch my stride.
  • SDkitty
    SDkitty Posts: 446 Member
    Depending on what your Dr says if it is happening to you often it may just be the shape of your feet and/or the way your step and orthotics may be the simplest, cost effective solution. Assuming the Dr says it's not severe :smile:
  • jesienia
    jesienia Posts: 294
    Depending on what your Dr says if it is happening to you often it may just be the shape of your feet and/or the way your step and orthotics may be the simplest, cost effective solution. Assuming the Dr says it's not severe :smile:

    It's most likely nothing serious. I'm hoping it's just my shoes. I haven't bought running shoes in a while...plus I've always had issues with my legs. It runs in my family unfortunately. Perhaps investing in decent shoes will be the best thing!
  • SDkitty
    SDkitty Posts: 446 Member
    I hope so :flowerforyou: Good luck!
  • IronSmasher
    IronSmasher Posts: 3,908 Member
    By all means, train low impact exercise like ellipticals, bike or swimming. If you try to push through it you won't be able to walk.
    A doctor or physio will subscribe rest, followed by stretching and strengthening exercises to aid recovery.

    Once you're fit and healthy again, I'd suggest strengthening your calves to prevent future injusry. Exercises such as heel raises, prowler pushes (if you have access to one), hill sprints and barefooting.

    Knackered shoes will knacker you
  • CavewomanCoby
    CavewomanCoby Posts: 253 Member
    Depending on what your Dr says if it is happening to you often it may just be the shape of your feet and/or the way your step and orthotics may be the simplest, cost effective solution. Assuming the Dr says it's not severe :smile:

    It's most likely nothing serious. I'm hoping it's just my shoes. I haven't bought running shoes in a while...plus I've always had issues with my legs. It runs in my family unfortunately. Perhaps investing in decent shoes will be the best thing!

    I changed my shoes to proper fitted running shoes with maximum cushioning and my shin splints disappeared the next day....
  • erinkeely4
    erinkeely4 Posts: 408 Member
    You might want to see your doctor. If the tissue separates from the bone, you've got months of rehab. Or, it could already be a stress fracture.... How strong is your core? A strong core will help you take some stress of your legs. Are you what I call a puddle jumper? If EVERYTHING shakes when your foot hits the ground, you're puddle jumper. Make sure your stride is long and smooth. Splints are impact injuries.

    Oh my god... I have the heebee jeebees now.....
  • qtpiesmom
    qtpiesmom Posts: 394 Member
    Stretch Stretch Stretch before really well warm up your body. Run not at your top speed but faster than a jog work up to running long distances. 1 minute runs, you have to teach your body and muscles. Work into running longer.
    AFTER when your sitting and watching tv stretch your legs out in front of you and point your toes and write the ABCS with your toes do this at least 3 times a day it will help strengthen your legs and help with the pain of the splints.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories