Shin Splints

You can get shoes specifically for cross training. They have more/different support than running shoes, for example. Several years ago, I took a cardio class that was on a cement floor covered with THIN carpet. Different shoes made all the difference. It does seem strange that after doing zumba for so long that you a just now having problems. Maybe the shoes you've been wearing have worn out. You can ask the zumba instructor too. I'm sure she has some insight.

I had shin splints from running, and I iced, iced, and more iced! I ran through the pain, and eventually they got better. Not sure that's the right thing to do, but that's what I did. Good luck!

There are several possible causes for "shin splints". It is possible, however unlikely, that by doing Zumba on a hard surface over time has lead to small stress fractures in your lower leg bone. Again, this is unlikely, but you would need to be diagnosed by a doctor to find out.

The most common cause of shin pain is muscle soreness. You have muscles in your leg that run from your upper shin all the way down to your toes. Just like any muscle, if you change your workout intensity or expose them to something new, they will develop soreness until they adapt. Nearly every runner experiences these from time to time.

To treat muscle-induced shin pain, you can use ice if the pain becomes unbearable, but don't stop exercising for more than a day or so. #2 (and this is the most important one) STRETCH. Before AND after your workouts, you need to intensely stretch your calves, hams and quads for at least 10 minutes. Within two weeks the pain should subside nearly-completely. If not, you may need to see a doctor.