Two questions. In my leg I believe it is the gastrocnemius muscle, or Soleus muscle? I stretched before I went for a run, and it ached. As I ran it dissappered. The thing is though when I don't run it flares up again. Anyone have this happen before? Also a second question is when running on the treadmill does your shins hurt more than when you run on the pavement? Thanks.
2007-11-02 17:21:14 · 2 answers · asked by yep8778 1 in Sports ➔ Running
most likely the soleus muscle... if it's in the back of your calves. if it's a little bit on the outside it's the gastrocnemius. yeah, this actually happens to me all the time. i was running xc and i pulled my soleus muscle about 3/4 of the way through. it hurt really bad and for the next couple months it ached when i stretched. it was fine while running but it was twitching and straining afterwards. i guess it's starting to go away. usually treadmills are softer on the shins than pavement. try jumping on a treadmill, slamming your feet on it as hard as possible (just an example. not good for your machine). then do it on pavement. the recoil on the pavement stings a little more. OR, if you do toe lifts and walk on your heels (not allowing the balls of your feet to touch the ground), you could get rid of those shin splints over time.
2007-11-02 18:11:08 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am always surprised when people still suffer with shin splints and don't seem to know either the cause nor the cure.
Shin splints are caused by muscle imbalance. The front muscles are weak and the calves are strong.
The way to correct Shin splints 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.
There are other variations of this, such as hanging a paint can on your toes, or using the angle iron on bleachers to slip your toes under.
Good Luck
2007-11-03 03:19:42 · answer #2 · answered by snvffy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋