I am pretty sure I am suffering from shin splints at the moment, but don't want to stop running totally because of it.
My local gym has 'low impact' running machines are these 'safe' to use without aggravating the problem?
I have read all the other threads at the moment and they seem to talk about it being an ongoing problem. My calves/shins start hurting after a few minutes running, but after speeding up a little the pain seems to go away. It also does not last too long after running (10 minutes or so). Do these sound like shin splints?
0 ·
Comments
Exercising without impact is good news - whatever doesn't hurt is usually OK - the elliptical trainer / bike / rower and stepper have kept me going for 6 weeks without any loss of running fitness before now - I've just had to ease back into running slowly so as not to overload the legs again.
Grass work -round and round a football pitch / sports groundis boring - but makes a huge difference as well to sore shins
Try these sites for more info to help you work out what you've got / what to do about it
http://www.pponline.co.uk/encyc/0868.htm
http://www.califmall.com/footherapy.html
http://www.pponline.co.uk/encyc/0161.htm
I do loads of ankles flexes with resistances / ankle flexions / rotations / etc and they help as well.
Just don't underestimate the value of grass - as I did for several months - then when someone said they'd run with me on grass - just to overcome my prejudice I think - I couldn't believe how much softer it was!
Most important thing tho is to find out why you're getting them. If it's just a sudden increase in mileage then that's easily sorted - but for me it's been a huge range of biomechanical problems originating in quad imbalances - I've just come back from the physios as my shins have been sore for the first time in 6 months - and yes - my quads were wrong again - because I've skipped the remedial work in the gym for 2 weeks!! If I don't do c 2hrs remedial exercises a week I go wrong again - quickly!
Orthotics have also made a HUGE difference to me - really well worth the price
Good Luck
Elizabeth T, its difficult to run off road in the dark, but even if you use grass verges like they have on some roads, say for half the run, that will make a difference. also, purchasing the most cushioned shoe that's comfortable.
I'm totally fed up and i've only stopped for 4 ays so far due to shin splins... I've been limping constantly and walkings painful!!
Goin tae see the doc tomorrow, I REALLY don't want to stop running and I don't know what other exercises to do (not a member of a gym anymore)...
Ho Hum.....this doc better sort me out...I'm going maaaaadddd, feel dead lazy an all!
I have flat feet and have had my Orthotics for about 4 weeks.
I tried to do too much too soon with them and my Shins were sore for 4 days straight.
I have stopped any Hi impact work and am breaking them in gently.
I did a 5km charity run on Sunday and my Knees (my initial problem) didnt hurt at all. ( oh and the fun run was on grass!)
The shins hurt for 1/2 hr and are now ok.
So I hope in a few weeks to start runnng twice a week, only short runs and see how it goes.
Orthotics cost around £150 plus there will be chiropodist/podiatrist consultation fees.
But well worth it!
Any suggestions?
Im now having physio and going back to get new orthotics through Premier Podiatry.
I have one leg shorter than the other!!
From what I have been told, you should wear your orthotics constantly! I have trouble finding normal shoes and will struggle even more now that one will be thicker than the other!
To be honest I think that the odd day or evening out without them shouldnt hurt!
As for Shin Splints they seem to be a common unjury to every runner i have spoken too!!
Firstly- would consider sorbthane insoles. I was getting SS- but since using these do not seem to have a problem. Most good sports shops should have them (running shops i mean).
Also i now hose down my legs after a run c cold water or ice shins/legs afterwards to reduce inflammation. Seems to help.
If getting other injuries as well woud consider a podiatry/biomechanics assessment to see if could be impropoper shoes/etc.. or poss need for orthotics- But personally i would try the stretches/strngthening/insoles/ice first.
Good luck