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Shin Splints - is this the end???
- Posted: 1st Jun 2010, 19:47Report
Hi everyone, I know loads has been written in the Forums about Shin Splints and various other leg pain, but I am fairly new to running. I discovered running in January and I've found something I absolutely LOVE. So when I had persistent lower leg pain that only occured after running, I was told by a Physio that I had Shin Splints. I was gutted (a big understatement!) I've got heel inserts and Orthaheels are on the way to me, but I wanted some reassurance from other sufferers that this isn't the end of running for me?? I'd love to hear your experiences. Thank you xx
- Posted: 1st Jun 2010, 20:02Report
Hi, so sorry to hear this. It's awful pain isn't it. I assume that's what I had. I did too much too soon and ended up being hardly able to walk. I had to virtually crawl home after one run and even soaking in the bath I was crying with pain. I gave up obviously. I had to. After lots of thought though I went to get trainers fitted. I had already bought an expensive pair of "running" trainers but just from a general sports shop. This time I went to a running shop and bought a pair that they watched me run in and advised me to buy. They were even more expensive. (To be fair there was a choice of two he gave me and I chose the most expensive as they were the most comfortable ~ there was no pressure). Happy to say, since then, I have not suffered. Sorry if you've already been down this route. But that was my experience. Good luck. x
- Posted: 1st Jun 2010, 20:18Report
Yes I've already bought a new pair of trainers (asics gel 1150 - so not cheap) but I didn't go to a specialist running shop for them to check my technique, so if the orthaheels don't work, I will probably check out that option. Thank you!
- Posted: 1st Jun 2010, 21:32Report
Mine are Asics too, but they were very expensive! Kayano Gel £115. I nearly fell over! Worth every penny for me though to stop the pain.
- Posted: 18th Jun 2010, 12:22Report
Hi There, Last year I suffered from Shin Splints and Plantar Fasciaitis (not sure of spelling!), which is caused by over-pronating. I was struggling to even walk - so I visited a sports injury specialist at my local gym, who diagnosed the problem. After 2 sesssions of massaging treatment, I was much better. He gave me some exercises to do after running, which involves massaging your calves, and the bottom of your foot, and recommended I got some special trainers for over-pronaters. I visited a specialist running shop - got fit with some trainers (Saucony £85), and I have not had any problems since !! Before buying my new trainers I tried specialist innersoles in my old trainers, but found because they were very thick, they made my trainers too tight and uncomfortable. Hope you find a cure to your problem soon !
- Posted: 27th Jun 2010, 20:43Report
Hi I've had shin splints on and off - but it doesn't seem to be for the usual reasons i.e increased distance, old trainers etc. I find that it starts with the pain and my legs feel like concrete and I plod very heavily. After a while the feeling goes though - sometimes I try stretching the shins during a run, but it seems to be 'mind over matter' for me. Apparently massaging up the calf muscle post run helps - but mine don't normally hurt afterwards!! Hope this helps. A
- Posted: 16th Jul 2010, 22:00Report
[color=purple]I have a similar problem. I was diagnosed with it after my first 10k in may and that was after going and getting my gait analysed and having new trainers fitted. i rested for 6 weeks as recommended by the physio and even had an x-ray as he was convinced it could have been a stress fracture. I went back to running last week ( felt like i was starting from scratch lol!) and after my third run last week the pain returned but not as bad and didn't last as long. I use frozen peas straight after if pain comes on and also lower leg exercises such as, standing against the wall and pulling your toes upwards towards you. I'm hoping this pain will subside eventually as i seriously cannot afford yet another expensive pair of trainers =o([/color][color=purple][/color]
- Posted: 22nd Jul 2010, 15:19Report
I suffered from shin splints - but it only affected my right leg - about a month ago. I found that turning the shower to cold and dousing the shin in freezing water for five minutes or so after running really helped. I think it brings the blood to the injury area and can help to speed up the healing process - ice would work the same I'm sure. I got rid of mine completely by splashing out on new Asics though - discovered I pronate slightly with my right leg after doing the 'wet feet test'. Before this I wasn't sure how much I was going to enjoy running or whether I'd really get into it or not, so (as I have small feet) I tried to cut costs and bought kids Asics - BIG MISTAKE! They just didn't have the cushioning and support needed for someone my weight - especially when I started running more often and longer distances. Beginners beware! Hope your pain is easing - best of luck, J.
- Posted: 22nd Jul 2010, 16:30Report
You all have my sympathy. Thankfully I haven't suffered since I started running, but when I played rugby in my twenties, I had terrible pain from shinsplints for the whole of my first season. Resting up in the off-season was the only thing that worked for me and thankfully I never suffered again (everything is firmly crossed as I say this!). I hope you allmanage to find a solution quickly. Bx
- Posted: 20th Aug 2010, 16:21Report
I can't recommend going to a specialist running shoe retailers enough. I went to one in Cardiff and they analysed my gait then recommended the right pair of trainers (after working out I have a neutral gait). Again there was a choice of trainers and I was under no pressure to buy. I chose the most comfortable pair which turned out to be the cheapest pair and spent around £85 - but it was a really good purchase as they made all the difference. There are two things you need to splash out on if you're doing a lot of running - trainers and sports bra! Cheap just doesn't work!
- Posted: Wednesday, 13:45Report
We've been talking about shin splints on another forum I visit, and a very knowledgeable member posted the following. I hope it helps. Erika [i]SHIN SPLINTS First, my condolences that you have shin splints. Ouch, they stink! I have had them and know. It’s basically separation of a long ligament attaching a calve muscle to your leg. It rebuilds with scar tissue and repairs itself. Second, they do go away in about 6-8 weeks. So, there is an END to the agony. They also rarely come back again. If you get through them once you may never have them again. What to do?? -Reduce running and replace with non-impact cardio. Cycling, swimming, elliptical, etc… -Run on soft surfaces, with good shoes. Trails, etc… -Ice after runs, you need to reduce swelling. Take ibuprofen to thin the blood flow and help with the pain. -Stretch them by placing your feet under a couch or other object and slowly flatten your leg to the ground. Yes, it hurts, but doing this a few times per day will help. Eventually the pain will disappear and off you go again. I think it is a case you do “listen” to your body and let it repair, which means stay off hard roads, get new shoes, back off miles, and ICE them after runs. Of course, see a doctor or PT if something seems wrong. [/i]
