Shin Splints? Shin Pain?

[newgirl412]

Any advice on pain in my shin from jogging/running? I don't know if I have bad form/etc or if its just that my weight is at such an amount that regardless of how I "run", the pounding is going to kill my legs.  Do compression leg sleeves help? I don't normally feel the pain until after I get home/the next day and it usually goes away within a day or two.

Any advice on how to prevent this from happening or treat it after its happened, I'd greatly appreciate it.

[Susie]

Ice, foam roll, and take it easy on increasing your running distance. Increase it slowly. I also can't run more than 3-4 days/week. I do other things to cross train on running off days.

I don't really find the compression sleeves/socks help much. I put them on just in case, but haven't noticed a material difference. Even if they help a little, IME, they don't make the difference between having an issue and not having an issue.  Increasing oxygenated blood flow to the area will not overcome a significant issue related to your running, it just may help a little with recovery.

[mrsjthompson]

I agree with Susie, and add calf stretches. I do wear calf sleeves or KT tape when I run, and comp socks after longer runs, as recommended by my chiro, but I have major issues with my left shin that aren't run of the mill shin splints.

[zbeesma86]

What both PPs said.

Rest, Ice, Elevation, and compression

Also a hot bath with Epsom salts- massage your shins a little bit while in there. I did this almost everyday in high school for shin splints and it helped. It helps break up some of that lactic acid and reduces swelling.

[eponinepontmercy]

STRETCH! I got shin splints in high school, and then consistently every time I tried to start running. I think what made a difference this time is that I had been strength training consistently for a few months before I tried running again. I haven't had a problem with my shins at all in the past year and a half. I also stretch all my problem areas (shins, quads, IT band) after every run.

[clseale]

What's your shoe situation? Did you get properly fitted? Even if you did, have you been back and talked about the shin pain? I only ask, because DH was having shin splint issues no matter what he did. He had been fitted by two different running stores, and finally just ran through the pain for quite some time. I told him to bring his shoes in with him. He did that, and someone finally looked at the wear pattern. They said that while he needed stability, he was in too aggressive of a stability shoe. Basically, they were over-correcting him. They spent a good hour with him, slowly decreasing the stability options, watching his feet as he ran, recording him, reviewing it, etc., until they found the shoes that gave him just the right amount. Since making the switch, his issues have all but disappeared.

[secretlyevil]

What everyone else said. I will add throw in some heat in there to help your muscle relax.

[Susie]

Oh, one other thing: calf strengthening exercises help for me in the long term.

[newgirl412]

Thanks everyone! I probably just need to get better with my stretching and leg strengthening exercises.

[hannahb]

Get fitted for shoes. And what everyone else has said

[secretlyevil]

Oct 22, 2014 14:29:11 GMT -5 Susie said:

Oh, one other thing: calf strengthening exercises help for me in the long term.

This is a very good! My sports chirp has me doing calf raises while I brush my teeth.