When running shins hurt?

Question

I started running a few weeks ago on the treadmill and after about 8 minutes my shins begin to hurt (actually the muscles). I run at about 6.5-7 miles per hour. I used to do ellipticals and stairs and added this on, but I do the running first. I tried warming up first, but it doesn't help that much. Is there a certain kind of stretching that I should be doing to avoid this?

Answer 1

As most people have already said, this seems to be a result of shin splints. In most cases, the best answer would be to rest and try again in a few days. However, you will also want to target the cause of this problem. Shin splints are typically caused by one of three factors. The first cause is your running form. If you tend to run "flat-footed", you will have a better chance of getting shin splints because you are putting more stress on your shins. Additionally, overpronating (rotation of the foot while running) is another part of your running form that could cause shin splints. The second factor is the shoes that you're wearing. Your shoes may be worn out, causing extra stress to be put on your shins. The final factor that may be causing shin splints is the treadmill itself. The constant pounding of your feet on the treadmill can cause shin splints. How can you prevent all of these causes? The first thing I would suggest is to get a new pair of running shoes. Try to find a specialty store. The employees will know more about your feet and what type of shoes you need. They can give you shoes to help you if you overpronate or run flat-footed. Once you get new shoes designed for your feet, I would suggest buying something for your treadmill. I don't know if such a thing exists, but I would suggest getting some sort of padding or even shocks on the feet of the treadmill. This will decrease the stress put on your shins and the pain should subside. For now, take some rest while you try some of these things. When you start running again, take it easy. Build yourself up to your potential slowly. This will prevent injury. No matter what, do NOT continue running with this pain in your shins. Often times shin splints develop into stress fractures, which can be both painful and annoying. If you'd rather not get new shoes, an alternative would be to use a stationary bike, swimming pool, or elliptical machine. I hope this helps.

Answer 2

lol at the person who said shin splints involves pieces of bone breaking off. anyways, shin splints results from microtears in your front lower leg muscles (tibialis anterior, fibularis longus, and some toe extensors). you don't normally get this kind of stress from anything else but running, which is why you're hurting right now. it should get better with time.

the only things that might help would be to work those front muscles. try this. stand near a wall for balance. point your feet up while resting on your heels. hold for a second or two, then relax. repeat and you should eventually feel a burn in the appropriate area.

Answer 3

I think you might have shin splints. I have it and it is annoying. But before you work out you can tape up your shins with thick, medical tape and it works pretty well if you do it right, you won't feel the pain. sorry I don't accually know what the tape is but I know it works its just a pain to get off. you have to get it wet and it really hurts. sometimes its not worth the effort unless you're doing something for a long time. Sorry if I am no help. you can talk to you doctor to see if you accually have shin splints tho.

Answer 4

yep you have shin splints ... dont know if your from london or not but i know of a shop other by liverpool street ... which specializes in trainers for runners ... they film you running on a treadmill to assess the way that you run .. how your foot rolls and the support around your ankle ... they look at how you walk and then advise you on trainers ... a decent pair of running trainers is about £80 ... the make i have are brooks you could looks up a site for them and see if there is a store near you ... i think the shop is called runnersneed ! ... not too sure but ill try find out

Answer 5

Hold your foot behind you, lifting your foot back to touch your bottom. This is a good stretch to help with shin splints. Also, you should go to an athletic store and make sure you have the right shoes for your foot.

Answer 6

Not warming up enough? The object of warm-up is to remove excess uric acid mostly although other factors can be involved such as running style, shoes etc.

Answer 7

Stretch your calves and it could be you do not have enough cushioning in your shoes causing shin splints

Answer 8

Hmmmmm, you may be suffering from osteoporosis. A condition in which bone tissue decays a little. Its much more common in women. Despite the common myth, milk won't make everything better. It will help because of its calcium, but you will also need to eat (low fat?) yogurt, calcium supplements, and a lot of fiber. Godd Luck! See a doctor about it to.