shin splints...

[YoTRacer158]

I've been doing a lot of running lately and my shins are killing me...is there any way to heal shin splints faster or do you just have to sit it out? also is there anything you can do to prevent them? what about those little gel soles you put in your shoes? any input is much appreciated

 

[DVO]

Rest, lots of ice (applied locally-not in a spritzer)10-15 at a time every hour. V-good for pain and inflammation. Always stretch.
Untreated and still abused can lead to stress fractures.

 

[Westex]

I had this problem several years ago while playing racquetball. I had a coach tell me to start taking vitamin B, more specifically B-12. It will take 2 or 3 weeks but I think you will be pleasantly surprised with the results.
Keith

 

[jaliveto]

Most times, shin splints are a result of overdoing it when you begin. Most of the time you develope them from running to much when you just start running. Ease yourself into your running workout. Start easy(both in distance and pace). Gradually increase your weekly mileage by 10-20% each week. Another big cause is running in the wrong shoes. Try and determine is your run naturally, overpronate, or underpronate. Then buy the proper shoes. Don't run in anything other than running shoes. Most running shoes are group into three types: cushioned, stability, and motion control.
Cushioned- For heavier(180LBs +) runners with a natural stride
Stability- Runners that don't need the extra cushion and overpronate a little
Motion Control- a bad overpronation or underpronation
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You can find this info out at RoadRunnerSports.com or Runnersworld.com
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As far as treatment: I agree with DVO. Rest(take a week of impact training. Ice- directly on the shins. I actually used to take ice packs and bandage them on both shins. Take ibuprophen from swelling. Even once you healed, ice your shins for 15 minutes immediately after your run and take the ibuprophen. Good luck.

 

[J.B.426]

Something that really helps with shin splints is to get some newspaper and put it on the ground. Now stand on it bare footed and scrunch the newspaper with you toes, like you're trying to roll up the paper. You don't really need the newspaper but it gives you a target. You will feel the area affected being worked. Do this for a few minutes a day and you just might see the shin splints go away.

 

[bclapham]

i had i similar problem, but i didnt know if it was shin splints or not, but it felt like it sounds if you know what i mean!. this is what worked for me:

i stopped my running down to only once a week but kept up my fitness by using the excersise bike and step machine in the gym (a lot). i think this did two things: a) helped build more muscles in my lower body, especially in my lower legs; and b) helped get rid of about 10-20 lbs of weight.

now when i run i do one short lap of warm up, then stop, and then build up the number of laps, this also helped with the pump i was getting on the front/sides of my shins.

i also noticed that losing that weight (i want to close another couple of belt notches still though!) helped me a lot. for example, i have no problems with aching knees and feet after a long day on my feet at work, which was becoming a problem before.

i didnt know how much i would enjoy running, i had a forest gump moment the other day and just went for it! but i do want to look into different shoes as described here.

i hope you can make some sence of my ramblings! it seems/feels quite logical to me, but i am no doctor

cheers

bruce

 

[YoTRacer158]

hey guys thanks for all the suggestions...i've been icing them and that seems to help a lot. i didnt really have a chance to work my way up when i started running. i joined the marines and had to start doing physical training with my recruiter twice a week to get ready for boot camp. thanks again

 

[yo its matt!]

OOOOH RAHHHHH!
when i was n the marines..... i got shin splints alot what i found was this... overdeveloped calf muscles (in the back) stressed the rarely used muscles in the front! to prove this try to put your heel on a weight plate and raise your toes! after rest and some generous applications of ben gay include these toe raises in your workouts and they wont be back!
SEMPER FI!!!!