shin splints and running?

Question

When I first developed shin splints, i didn't realize thats what it was at first so i just kept jogging and tried to push through it. And now, a year later, anytime i try to run or jog, my shins start to hurt almost immediatley. Any suggestions on how to get rid of them? I already tried buying nice running shoes to fix it but it didn't change anything. Is it possible that I just shouldn't run anymore?

Answer 1

First thing you need to do is figure out what might possibly be causing your shin splints. This link really helped me w/ mine:

http://www.watfxc.com/TF/TF%20Education/shin_splints.htm


And like one of the previous guys/gals said, strengthening and stretching your shins is very important. It has really made is difference w/ me.

Answer 2

Stop Shin Splints Forever?

Answer 3

I have had shin splints since HS (over 10 years now), and finally got irritated enough about them in the last month to get some help (I went on vacation & my shins hurt so badly I had problems walking around). There are a bunch of stretches that are recommended, but I use 2 right now - toe taps and heel lifts.

They're both really simple - toe taps - with your foot flat on the floor, lift up your toes (keep foot on the floor). Do 10 reps, I'm up to 3 sets/day. Heel lifts - use a chair (or a wall) for balance, and bring yourself up onto your toes, then back down for 20 reps. On these, you need to remember to go slowly - if you rush through them, you'll probably do more damage. I do the heel lifts in the shower - the heat from the water makes them a little easier for me to do.

I started these...about 2 weeks ago now - haven't had any pain in the last week :) :) If it stays this way, I plan on starting up running again, which I haven't done in years! I was warned that these exercises have to be done religiously, since I'm predisposed to shin splints, though. And there are other stretches you can do - just google shin splints or shin splint exercises and a bunch of websites pop up. You have to remember shin splints aren't actually caused by the activity you're doing, but from a lack of muscle strength in that area, so resting isn't going to help all that much.

Answer 4

I had some shin splint problems in highschool, rest is the best way to heal the problem. Shin Splints is when the muscle is actually pulling from the bone. If you are dedicating to running there are a couple of things you can do; get a nice tape job, make sure to run on grass, and after running ice them for 15 minutes and then heat them for 15 minutes

Answer 5

oh buddy i had shin splints to and they arent the worst thing but most definitly are not pleasant.. if it continues to hurt, STOP running and see a doctor. If you continue to run it may end up injuring your knees as well because you may begin to run awkwardly, as i began to do. So then after injuring shins and knees, my hips started hurting too! Not fun, see a doctor ASAP and get into some kinda of physical therapy maybe. [i had to be in physical therapy for 9 weeks =( ] You should be icing your shins regularly, as im sure youve been told a million times, haha. To help stop the pain, if you see a doctor you can get an anti-inflammatory prescribed to you. Also, it may not be your shoes, it may be the way your foot is actually landing. my foot wasnt landing correctly and needed some more support [i have a high arch]. i had to buy some orthodics, they are really expensive if you get the nice nice nice kind but... help a lot. Also , are you running on concrete most of the time? if so, try to avoid concrete as much as possible. Try to run in the grass =].

hope i helped!
oh and DONT stop running because of a little pain.
in life, whatever you do, pain of some sort comes with it.
so i suggest getting use too it, specially if your a runner =]. lol

Answer 6

Well, I hope you haven't done permanent damage to your body, but you've surely abused it by running injured for a year.

Shin splints are caused by muscle imbalance. Calf strong, shin weak. The way to correct this is to strengthen the muscles at the front of the legs. Lie face down in bed with your toes hanging over the edge. Pull your toes upward against the resistance of the mattress. Try to work up to 3 or 4 sets of 5 – 10 reps each. Good Luck

Answer 7

Give you legs some rest. No running for awhile(about 2 wks.) but you can do other activities such as biking to keep up your conditioning. Also try picking a small towel up with your toes, it helps you protect against shin splints. I would also suggest running on a soft surface when you start running again so you don't get shin splints again.

Answer 8

Shin splints are painful. The only real "fix" for them is to rest the legs, that is....don't run for a while. They will heal and you will be able to run again, but wait until the pain subsides otherwise you will be in this pain for a long time. Just take a break from it. It will all be ok.

Answer 9

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

Answer 10

Shin Splints are the muscle tearing away from the bone. Remember RICE
Rest
Ice
Compression
Elevation

Especially compression and rest. Make sure when you are running to tape your shints very tight. That should help get them away. if it doesn't go talk to a doctor, they may have something better.

Also when you're watching tv or on the computer, move your foot as if you are writing the alphabet. That will strengthen the muscle and the tendons.