Shin Splints!

[AHappierHour]

No you need to rest. Take some Motrin and a week off from running. It sucks but it will be best in the long run.

[emerald59]

Do you have a good pair of shoes? I can typically tell when I need a new pair when I start getting shin splints. Just an idea? I don't do tape or whatever, so I'm no help there.

[ginap]

When I was doing a lot of running during boot camp the trainer said to do a lot of stretching (quads, hamstrings and calves) after working out to help alleviate the pain. Shin splints SUCK.

[shostakovich]

You need to do R.I.C.E. - Rest (take at least 3 days off running); Ice (for 15 minutes max); Compression (Taping or compression socks, if it's really bad); and Elevation.

Also, ditto emerald59 on making sure your shoes are supportive - you can get fitted at running stores to make sure they're right for you.

And, make sure if you are increasing mileage from one week to the next, you're doing no more than a 10% increase each week. If you go out too far and/or too fast too soon, you run the risk of injury.

And anti-inflammatories are great post-run, but I don't recommend them before your runs.

Take care of yourself, and I hope they get better soon!

[AHappierHour]

Aug 20, 2013 16:14:44 GMT -5 @astrid said:

But I am doing fitness and sort of motivated! Crap.

Can you do other things besides running/walking? Swim, bike ride, weights, yoga?

[So_Fetch]

Try doing toe taps. (just like it sounds). My trainer has us do them during our dynamic warm ups and when I get shin splints I'll stop and do like 50-60 and it works great. It stretches out that tendon/muscle whatever it is.

[spitforspat]

Try replacing your insoles. I know super feet has a trial period/guarantee and you can return them if they don't work out.

[margotmacomber]

Stand on the edge of a step with the back half of your foot hanging off.  Stand on your tip toes.  Then lower your heel off of the step.  Repeat.  It's an easy way to stretch those muscles and alleviate the pain.  We did that in basic training; it helped a lot.  

I'm not sure if I'm making enough sense here.  

[margotmacomber]

Aug 20, 2013 16:23:42 GMT -5 @astrid said:

Aug 20, 2013 16:22:57 GMT -5 margotmacomber said:

Stand on the edge of a step with the back half of your foot hanging off.  Stand on your tip toes.  Then lower your heel off of the step.  Repeat.  It's an easy way to stretch those muscles and alleviate the pain.  We did that in basic training; it helped a lot.  

I'm not sure if I'm making enough sense here.  

They're kind of on the outside of my shins instead of directly in front.  Does that matter?

I don't think so, but you should be able to tell while doing the stretch if it is hitting where the pain is or not.  Shin splints suck!  

[berbles]

Are you running on a treadmill? My trainer taught me to put the treadmill on a 1 or 2 incline and POOF! no more shinsplints. Running on a minimal incline changes the way your foot strikes the ground and should help prevent shinsplints.

[Jalapeñomel]

I always say this in these posts: are you sure they are shin splints?

I thought I had shin splints, but they pain was in the wrong part of my leg, the outside part. It started with slight pain, and my calf in the front would get rock hard. As I continued to exercise, the pain became unbearable, and my foot would lock up. My feet would fall asleep, and I would be sore for days. It turns out that I had compartment syndrome.

[wkatie]

Increasing potassium can also help.

[ohiowan]

Make sure you're getting enough water too. Ditto what others said about looking into new shoes. Go to a running store to have them analyze your gait and recommend a shoe. I wouldn't necessarily take time off because of them, but I'd definitely listen to my body. If I'm in the middle of a run and they start bothering you, back off and either walk the rest of the way or stretch.