cure for shin splints?

Question

i restarted running recently for about 3 weeks. ive started to develop shin splints. it is fairly mild so far but i would like to try to minimize the pain and help prevent it if possible. what can i do? is there a cure? what causes shin splints?

oh, i have been running mainly on treadmill and elliptical. treadmill when i do shorter faster workouts and elliptical when i do longer slower workouts. i get the pains more when i use the treadmill.

Answer 1

Following are two paragraphs from the link below by Dr. David Ryan. Which includes testing and optional treatments.

One of the most common injuries associated with figure or endurance training is shin splints. The pain will stop your cardio program in its tracks. Even one simple step; produces a feeling of broken glass rubbing in your shins. Shin splints are simple to diagnose and even more simple to treat.

The most common cause of shin splints is a weakening and a drop in your foots' arch. Once the foot arch drops, the shin muscle, called the Tibalis Anterior and its' tendon will stretch and tear. This results in the loss of normal blood supply and the tendon will start to inflame and after a couple of weeks, results in painful degeneration. That is all it takes and you will have significant sharp bites in the front of your shin when you walk or run.

Answer 2

Stop Shin Splints Forever?

Answer 3

I got shin splints in high school and they suck. They're most often caused by running, of course, especially sprinting. I think they're simply little muscle tears where the muscles are attached to the lower leg bones. The best treatment I knew at the time was simply not running. I know they also make some leg wraps for people who do run to prevent them and minimize the pain and damage. I would think ibuprofen and ice would help, too. Ask a doctor or a coach even. I'm sure they could tell you more on how to help.

Answer 4

shin splints can be caused by several things. not just running on hard surfaces. bc you use an eliptical a lot it could be caused by a mucsle imbalance. put a 2-5 pound weigth on the top of your foot and lift your foot at the ankle. the elliptical never works the muscle in the front of your shin. or peddle the elliptical backwards a few min a session

GOOD LUCK

Answer 5

If you can, run on a softer surfaces such as dirt instead of cement. Buy a running shoe with a lot of cushion in the bottom or add a insole to your current running shoe.

I think shin splints occur when the muscle is pulling on the bone. It is from a lot of exercise on hard surfaces. Your entire body weight coming down on your lower legs. Your muscles are becoming so strong that they pull on your bones.

If I am remembering correctly? My doctor told me many years ago that is what I was causing to my lower legs too.

Well, I read the article someone else posted below . . . I guess it is pain caused by damage to the muscle in the lower leg from a lot of exercise.

Answer 6

I am not sure what shin splints are. However, I use to work out doing aerobics. I got shin splints too, and WOW, they really did hurt. But, they eventully went away by themselves, but had to do less sports for awhile. That was many years ago, and they have never returned. Go to a health food store, and they can give you advice.

Answer 7

You really need to read "Stop Shin Splints" by Gary Buchenic (also available in electronic format here: http://www.stopshinsplints.org ). It's about how to permanently cure your shin splints naturally. Worked for me and for thousands of people. Good luck!

Answer 8

Make sure that your shoelaces aren't tied too tight. Shin splints go away by themselves after a month or so of running. You just have to tough it out.

Answer 9

Take a rest for a while and later you will start to run not so long distance.Rubbing Eucalyptus relieves also for a moment.

Answer 10

i am asprinter in 100m & 200m what i do for shints splints i cold ice fore 15 min & warm been bag for 10 min doing that for 60 min. good luck.