Shin Splints

I have the same problem when I run. I am suspecting it is related to landing on the ball of the foot rather then the heal. I think the the main Impact needs to be with the heal and roll the foot to the ball of the foot. I have to really concentrate for that to happen.

Love to hear what the pros have to say

I get them all the time...I found this on webmd.com


Although shin splints may be caused by different problems, treatment is usually the same: Rest your body so the underlying issue heals. Here are some other things to try:

Icing the shin to reduce pain and swelling. Do it for 20-30 minutes every three to four hours for two to three days, or until the pain is gone.

Anti-inflammatory painkillers. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin, will help with pain and swelling. However, these drugs can have side effects, like an increased risk of bleeding and ulcers. They should be used only occasionally unless your doctor specifically says otherwise.

Arch supports for your shoes. These orthotics -- which can be custom-made or bought off the shelf -- may help with flat feet.

Range of motion exercises, if your doctor recommends them.

Neoprene sleeve to support and warm the leg.

Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles in your shins.
In rare cases, surgery is needed for severe stress fractures and other problems that can cause shin splints.



http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/shin-splints

Usually shin splints happen because someone is doing too much, too soon. Your muscles have to build up to the strain of running. Any time I have gotten shin splints it is for the following reasons: wearing improper footwear, and going too far, too fast. If you go slow and build up your mileage very gradually (no more than 10% per week), and make sure you are wearing shoes that have been fitted for your foot/stride, hopefully you'll get through the shin splints and won't experience them anymore. Both of those things worked for me, and I no longer get shin splints. Building up your strength will help too. Good luck!

I used to get shin splints badly after trying to run on a treadmill for just 60 seconds, I got some compression leg sleeves which have really helped me, I don't get them anymore! (I have these ones at the top of this page - http://www.synergyaction.eu/zensah-recovery-product-line.php )

I hope they go for you soon, it's so frustrating!

I suffer the same thing and first thing I'd like to say is shin splints are more likely caused by your heel striking the ground first as opposed to your ball. I was advised to try to alter my foot fall so that I land mid foot to ball first instead of heel first.

Second, you should consider having a gait analysis done if you are serious about training to run. Many running shops will offer this service (sometimes you have to pay to have it done, but that usually comes of the price of the shoes recommended to you) and it will literally just discover what type of runner you are. I am an over pronater which is what caused my shin splints and therefore need a certain type of shoe to correct this over pronation. Making sure you have suitable running shoes is very important when running. For more info on whether you are an over or under pronater (or neither), have a look on youtube, they have some very useful videos on the subject.

So in short, my advice would be rest until the splints have gone (or at least do other forms of cardio work i.e. bike, cross trainer etc) and book yourself in for a GAIT analysis at your local specialised sports store to make sure you get the right pair of shoes for your running style. Hope this helps!

xxxxxxx

i use to get them all the time... went out and got a better pair of shoes and started running on softer ground. seemed to help