Shin Splint Help?

Question

If you press on a certain spot on my left shin, it hurts. I've gotten a bone scan and x-ray and I've been told I don't have a stress fracture. So, I'm guessing that I have shin splints. But, this has been going on for several months and I've heard shin splints are supposed to heal after a couple weeks with the proper treathment. I ice after every practice, use a compression sleeve occasionally, and stretch a lot before and after running.
Any ideas on what this is? And any tips to make it go away faster?

Answer 1

The treatment for shin splints is rest. Depending upon severity it is often necessary to completely stop running for a period of time. Generally this is done until day-to-day activities are pain free. When running is resumed – and this is where many injured runners make a mistake – it must be significantly different from the routine that lead to the injury. The concept of relative rest employs lengthening the interval between training as well as decreasing the volume and intensity of training. One can often substitute cross-training activities (e.g., bicycling) for running to help increase the interval between running days. There should be a graded and gradual increase in run training, keeping an eye out for the return of any shin splint symptoms.

Stretching and strengthening the calf muscles can help prevent the injury from returning. However the most important preventive strategy is not to repeat the mistakes that lead to the injury. Examine all the training variables – surface, shoes, training volume, intensity, workout type, hills, weather conditions, etc. Seek help from a qualified trainer or coach. This all takes time and effort, but it is well worth it.

Related Stretches
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Answer 2

All good suggestions for shin splints. However I would like to mention that stress fractures can be difficult to rule out...
A stress fracture can be present for quite some time before it will actually show up on an x-ray. I don't mean to worry you, as most of the time it really is just shin splints, but if you find that after trying everything it still feels just as bad you may want to treat it more as a stress fracture....which means rest rest rest.
Also stress fractures can be a result from straining the shin muscles...meaning that a fracture can develop from shin splints so don't try to be a hero and push through shin pain.

Another thing you can do to test at home is to gently tap the site of pain with your finger, or a spoon etc. and if that causes a good bit of pain have a therapist check it out further. If you find the area aches a bit at night, this could also be a red flag as bone pain is most obvious at night (when bone regenerates).

Hopefully it is just shin splints, but regardless take it easy. Water running is an excellent exercise to keep your running form and surprisingly your fitness as well if you are looking for an activity with less impact.

Answer 3

Stop Shin Splints Forever?

Answer 4

You have some great advice already, ice, rest, maybe some anti-inflammatory, shoes, no concrete, etc. These will help you to heal up faster.

I suggest that shin splints are the result of muscle imbalance where the back of the leg is stronger than the front muscles. To correct this imbalance, lie face down in bed with your toes hanging over the edge. Slowly pull your toes upward against the resistance of the mattress. Hold for 1 or 2 seconds, then repeat. Try to work up to 2 or 3 sets of 10.

Good Luck

Answer 5

Once the muscles are irritated it takes time to heal.

The ice several times at night after running will help along with the stretching and you can massage the muscles also.

Try some anti inflammatory like Motrin.

Make sure you have good shoes and run on soft surfaces, not concrete.
If it has become too severe then taking off a couple of weeks may be the only option.

Answer 6

confident…would desire to be shin splints. in case you have soreness contained in the shin, front, and back area of your leg. WHATYOU would desire to DO a million. give up the activities interest 2. placed a chilly compress or ice %. (or a field of frozen peas wrapped in a towel!) on the front of your decrease leg intermittently for quarter-hour or so. do this for 2 days. 3. After the 1st 40 8 hours, use a heat compress for 20 minutes thrice an afternoon. 4. See a doctor if soreness keeps or if walking turns into complicated. 5. do no longer return to working until eventually you’ve rested and healed. contained in the long-term... consistently heat up first Ask a coach or scientific professional approximately orthotics (shoe inserts).

Answer 7

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 8

I had shin splints when I first started running. I went to a shoe store that specializes in running shoes, and they looked at the way my foot and ankle reacted to my running form. They recommended a different shoe, and I didn't have shin problems after that. And I have run eleven marathons.

Answer 9

Rest would be my number 1 option. If you can't afford to take a couple weeks off then I recommend start doing some exercises that strengthen your shins.

One exercise is to tap your foot up and down while you are sitting in a chair. Another is to provide resistance to your foot while you try to point your tow up (towards your knee). That can be done with a partner or a stretching band.

Matt - Fast RunnerZ