first case of shin splints. are there ways to a speedy recov

Alternating ice and heat. Rest to let them recover fully. Physio can really help also. I developed shin splints when I first started running 10 years ago, I didn't realize that was what they were and pushed through the pain. I suffer from them still -- they can easily sideline me if I over train even one day. As this is your first time, give them time to heal! The ice and heat will help bring down the swelling, ibuprofen can help also. Rest, and start back SLOWLY, stopping if they come back.

that's kind of weird that you got them a) after training for a while and b) from a treadmill. I usually get them after my first time running outside on asphalt.

that said....just take 2 or 3 days off. shin splints are nothing to be worried about, just some sore muscles.

I had the same problem back when I first started C25K and got into running races back a lil over a year ago. The answer to my problem was good shoes. I had crappy old gym shoes I had used for 2+ years in high school... never was a fitness person so figured they were still good, boy was I wrong. I relaxed off my legs for a while and instead swam for cardio workouts. I then invested in my Reebok Z-Tech (LOVE THESE SHOES!!! Well worth the $108). Ever since then I have never had a problem with my shins hurting. Since you have been running for quite some time, I doubt it's cause it's new for you. You probably just need new shoes.

Btw I read about your proper shoes, but it is possible that you need new ones (depending on when you last got em) I've had mine for almost a year now and they're still really good, but I am due for a "tune-up". Maybe you are too?

I had the same problem back when I first started C25K and got into running races back a lil over a year ago. The answer to my problem was good shoes. I had crappy old gym shoes I had used for 2+ years in high school... never was a fitness person so figured they were still good, boy was I wrong. I relaxed off my legs for a while and instead swam for cardio workouts. I then invested in my Reebok Z-Tech (LOVE THESE SHOES!!! Well worth the $108). Ever since then I have never had a problem with my shins hurting. Since you have been running for quite some time, I doubt it's cause it's new for you. You probably just need new shoes.

Btw I read about your proper shoes, but it is possible that you need new ones (depending on when you last got em) I've had mine for almost a year now and they're still really good, but I am due for a "tune-up". Maybe you are too?

agreed. i think i read somewhere you should replace shoes every 6 months?

and...do you have flat feet? i do...which is why i get mine when i run outside. i would suggest geting some new balance or another shoe that had a thick sole to absorb some of the shock. i tried those cool new flexible running shoes and ended up sidelining myself for a while with more than shin splints.

I have also had the same problem, I tryed running tonight and my left shin is killing me, even when im not exercising! I wanna stay on track but dont want to end up hurting myself!

bike or swim?

Are they on the 'inside' or 'outside' of your shin?
I used to have such a problem with sore shins as well, but after speaking with my PT have realised that it is the tightness of my calves which is affecting them the most.
So make sure while you are icing your shins(*** an easy way to do it is to fill a glass/cup all the way to top and freeze, then hold handle and rub down shins) you are also stretching your calves/giving them massages.

Yeah I got my shoes back in November, so I doubt that's it. I still feel like they are pretty new. But the employee at the shoe store said if I started to get pains while running to try insoles.. so maybe that might help too?

I think that may help and may be a cheaper route instead of buying new shoes, but it is said that most runners change their shoes every 3-6 months... so you are good there if you got it back in November.

This is what I suggest...

Rest for a while, when your shins feel better go and try to get insoles custom made for your feet. Then start up your running (maybe back at the pace you were use to, just to get back in the groove), then when your ready and if your shins don't hurt. Go back to two miles a day I hope your shins do feel better! I hate when they hurt!

I can't bike because I have really bad knees, and Im not confindent enough to go in public with a bathing suit on! Ill try getting new shoes and see if that works. thank you for the ideas!

I can fix it in 30 steps, ten steps on your heels toes straight, ten with the toes pointed out and ten with them in. do this after you run and it will fix it, It worked for me the first time I tried it

Are they on the 'inside' or 'outside' of your shin?

Mine are the inside but mostly on my right leg..? Might look into insoles, thanks x

I didn't read all the posts, and I'm not sure if this reply is already in there, but I heard once that you should put your legs out, while sitting in a chair, and write the alphabet with your toes, in the air. It stretches them and makes them feel so good. I've done this when my shins were sore and they felt better. I've given this advice to others and they have said it worked. Good luck.

You can also freeze dixie cups with water and peels off the cup as it melts to rub on your shins. They used to do this in my trainers office in college.

OH my goodness! Look into your shoes! I was fitted for and have worn Asics for all of my races but I had recently started to run again and my shins were on fire! Even walking longer distances hurt them. I over pronate and so I have always bought shoes to correct that. I decided to try a different designed shoe (Reebok Realflex) and I was able to put them on and run three miles straight. Now I did have shin pain for a few days after that workout, but not nearly as bad. I was just amazed that I could run the whole time. So then I took it one step further and got some CEP Compression Running socks and I just tried them today and they are the BOMB! My shins were a bit sore for the first 10 mins running and then it went away and I ran five miles!!! Tonight I feel great, I really think that I will wake up with no pain tomorrow. Those socks ROCK!

Here are a couple links I found helpful:

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-241-290--529-2-3X6-3,00.html

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/322021-help-with-your-shin-splints

I agree about getting your shoes checked.

I was professionally fitted for asics duomax shoes 6 months ago, even to the point of having an insole with an arch put into my shoes, because I kept rolling my ankles and injuring myself. I have had issues constantly. Fast forward to 3 days ago I decided to go to a different shop and was again fitted. It turns out the shoes I was wearing were not really helping me but making things worse as they were pushing my ankles outwards but the bottom of my shoe was holding my foot in place hence causing me constant pain and stress when walking etc. These were stability shoes.

Apparently I needed neutral shoes. They are so much more comfortable and when i walked yesterday i didnt experience any of the pain I have suffered with recently. I bought New Balance shoes for the record.

I went back to the previous store to see what they would say and the gentleman serving me said the exact same thing. Funny that he was the original person who fitted the shoes to me.

I bought re align insoles for the cushioning and they are made by a podiatrist.