shin splints?

rhi1986
rhi1986 Posts: 2
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi :)

I usually do a lot of walking, but following an injury 6 weeks ago (broken coccyx - ouch!) I was unable to exercise.
Now that I am able to exercise, I am not only walking but have started jogging with the dog (I'm sure trying to control an excited Husky pup should earn more calories!! :P ) to get myself in shape.

My issue is that whenever I jog, my shins ache for days afterwards... most prominently immediately after jogging... and my question is this... do you think it is simply my body going "woah! that's a lot of weight you're making me run with!" and that the pain will go in time... or do you think it could be something like shin splints, in which case do you have any suggestions on how to "fix" it?

Thanks

Rhi x

Replies

  • aimibean
    aimibean Posts: 243
    Shin splints are something I have suffered from, they don't tend to hurt immediately after but more like a few hours/a day after and can last a few days. It feels like a horrible bruised kind of ache down the front of your shin, which is made worse by moving your ankle either up or down and, of course, it's uncomfortable to walk, never mind do anything more strenuous.
    If it is shin splints, I found changing my shoes helped massively - I went to a decent running shop, got tested to check how I run and how much support I need in my shoes and got advised on which to then purchase. Since I have had them shoes, I haven't had shin splints. :-)
  • MissSpuggz
    MissSpuggz Posts: 155 Member
    You can try icing and stretching your shin area to see if that helps. Elevate your foot and ice for 10 to 15 minutes, several times a day if you can and if the pain continues. To stretch, lie down flat on your back, bend one leg so it's either at a 90 degree angle to the floor or bend your leg, keeping your foot on the floor if that's more comfortable. Bring your other leg up so the ankle is resting against the knee of your other leg. A bit like this:

    images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTAyy2b1UFjvCybYAhffZBnZGuh_iwny6cV6QKOwqcSIlI24ziX

    And then with your big toe on the foot you're propping up, draw out the alphabet in the air. This helps stretch the tendons and muscles in the lower leg. Then do it with the other leg.

    The pain could be down to what shoes you're wearing or the way you jog so too much pressure is going up your shins or you're rolling over slightly on your foot when you jog.

    If the pain continues for over a week I'd go see your GP as it might be a fracture of the tibia or some other underlying problem causing the discomfort.
  • rhi1986
    rhi1986 Posts: 2
    Thanks for the reply :) Getting a new set of trainers was on the cards so this might have just confirmed it for me!

    Will also try the stretches.

    Thanks again
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