Shin SPLINTS?

Question

i have real bad shin splints and i plan on taking 9 days of my running to ice and stretch but my brothers a trainer and he says over these 9 days of no running i should do these leg curl type things and ice ... which do u think

A. .... 9 days no running, just ice and stretch
B ...... 9 days no running, leg exercises and ice

also if i do choose B could i make my situation worse?

Answer 1

I had them something fierce when I went down to Basic. What helped me was just som Ben Gay (IcyHot would also work) and a massage of the muscle atop the tibia (shin bone). It hurt like the bejesus at the time, but by the next day I was much better, and a couple days later it was all good.

Answer 2

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

P.S. Take 5 days off, then start these exercises.

Answer 3

the problem with taking 9 days off is that if you training competitive, it will hurt your preperation, B might be the best choice of the two, but shin splints is really something your mind is going to have to run through while you ice and stretch in between ( this of course is only my opionion as a former college runner)

Answer 4

B - it will stretch the muscle. Also do things like write the alphabet in the air with your big toe, only moving your ankle.

In the mean time, stop wearing crappy shoes and flip flops when you're not running, the "toe grip" can make your shin splints worse.