Shin splints!

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sippy78
sippy78 Posts: 17 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
This is the first time I have had shin splints. I notice it about 2 days ago. I have not done any exercises since. I have read that it could take up to a few weeks. Is there anyone who has had shin splints and was able to heal them fast?

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  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
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    Ice immediately afterwards helps bring relief (an anti-inflammatory helps too)

    Have you significantly increased your running distance lately? Or just made the transition from treadmill to outdoors?

    When I ran my first 5K I had done most of my training on a treadmill and was in agony by about the 3rd km, I'll also get some mild discomfort (that goes away as I keep running) if I've taken a bit of a break.

    If the pain persists see your doctor - it could be a stress fracture.

    Here's an article in runnersworld.com that I hope you find helpful: http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-241-624--529-F,00.html
  • swisspea
    swisspea Posts: 327 Member
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    take a magnesium suppliment! It really really helped me. I used to get them during the night after big workouts, and my spinning instructor suggested magnesium- worked like a charm!
  • sippy78
    sippy78 Posts: 17 Member
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    I have been running about 3miles 3 days a week. I also only run on a treadmill when it rains. I have been running for about 2 months. The shoes I run in are the Skelitoes.
  • athensguy
    athensguy Posts: 550
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    Be sure you're not heel striking. Also, you might want to consider an upgrade to Vibram FiveFingers.

    They just came out with a new set of models. I'm interested in the SeeYa. I have a couple pairs of KSO.
  • sippy78
    sippy78 Posts: 17 Member
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    I do run striking the heel and also run on the toes. So should I only run on my toes?
  • helenrachel123
    helenrachel123 Posts: 22 Member
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    I used to get them when I was doing a lot of running and it was due to me over pronating when running, I had my running style assessed by a specialist at the running shop and also ended up seeing a podiatrist and now neutral trainers with special inersoles that were custom made in my running trainers they cost nearly as much as the trainers but were worth it and then use stability trainers for when I am doing high impact gym classes. I also found that putting ICE packs on afterwards also helped and was told by my triathalon instructor to do cross training and swimming whilst I was suffering from the to give them a rest and chance to heal,also try upping your mileage by 10% each week and gradually when you up it rather than doing it all in one go and have rest days in between hope this helps.
  • daz60
    daz60 Posts: 22
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    Calf sleeves helped me.it does take a while to heal, i think it took me a good 8 weeks.
  • BerryH
    BerryH Posts: 4,698 Member
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    I do run striking the heel and also run on the toes. So should I only run on my toes?
    I had terrible shin splints from teaching myself to land on my heels (which was thought to be the only "right" way at the time) and had to re-learn to run. The constant lifting of my toes strained the muscles down the front of my shins.

    There's nothing wrong per se with heel landing if it's right for your gait, but it's not for everyone. Lean slightly forward, and let your leg swing forward so your foot lands naturally and quietly under your body (not in front - this can cause shin splints from jarring). For me, this is the middle outer of my foot. Don't try and go tippy-toes unless you're sprinting.

    YouTube running gait or watching some footage of a long distance runner like Paula Radcliffe for ideas.

    Also if you run on a treadmill, having it a constant incline can cause problems. Vary it, cut it out altogether or go outside instead.

    Also double-check your shoes are right for you at a specialist running store that studies your gait.
  • sippy78
    sippy78 Posts: 17 Member
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    Thank you all!!

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