Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Shin Splints!

In all my years of running, (or lack of running), I have never had shin splints!
I have had every other injury...but not this one!

Does anyone have a good suggestion?

I have iced them...and I do exercises with my feet....like making the alphabet!
But they are still on fire!

As far as I know it is safe to run on shin splits...
right?

It seemed like in track and cross country the coaches gave little notice to shin split complaints...so I'm guessing it means that it is uncomfortable, but not damaging?????

Does anyone know what causes shin splints?
Is it being heavy?
or
Lack of Muscle?
or
Need of more stretching?

Thanks again for all the great comments and encouragement....YOU GUYS KEEP ME GOING!!!!


14 comments:

  1. I wouldn't push it too far with shin splints....they can lead to stress fractures...and those aren't good. Make sure your calf muscles are good and stretched, massage them out with a tennis ball to get the soleus deep in there. Walk around on your heels for 30-45 seconds. Ice 3-4 times a day and take some time off. 5 days now is better than 4 weeks for a stress fracture.

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  2. ah, glad ssb commented. i'd follow her advice. also, I'd just look at your shoes too and form. also... we as mama's... our legs/feet are MUCH different then pre-babies. and you've had 5 my friend!! take that into consideration;-)

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  3. Our running guru here said at first sign of shin splints to back off for a few days, ice and stretch.
    Hope you get feeling better! They suck, don't they!! I feel for you!

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  4. Before I started running barefoot or minimalist shoes it was usually the shoes causing the problem. Have you changed your shoes recently?

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  5. PLEASE go to this link: http://www.medicinenet.com/shin_splints/page2.htm
    Yes, you can run while you have shin splints, BUT read this part of the link: "What is the multifaceted "relative rest" approach?" Take it easy, and don't push it too much, or you'll end up with far greater problems. Like Ewa said, Have you changed your running shoes lately? That can also be the cause, and is also addressed in the link I gave you. By the way, thanks for your comments on my blog. You're blog also is a "keeper" for me. :-) P.S. Having 5 kids is the best reason in the world not to have time to run....along with having shin splints.

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  6. Sorry to hear this. Definitely agree with everyone, take it easy. You don't want something worse because you pushed through with this. I also agree, check your shoes. Good luck!

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  7. i have shin splints and foam rolling is the best way to help them. after my runs i foam roll for about 10 minutes...on my shins and on my calves, then i just do the stretches that my PT had me do when I went in last year. it works like a charm...and some biofreeze slathered on after the foam rolling is also a godsend.

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  8. Sorry about your injury. I have never had them, but I hear tell that it has something to do with increasing mileage too quickly? Wish I could offer some helpful advice. Here's to a speedy recovery.

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  9. Sorry about the shin splints. I have had them in the past and they are not fun:( I did the same thing that you have been doing...ice them. Also, another thing that I found helpful was to have a massage and have them focus on your shins. I felt so much better after. Good luck!

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  10. Ooh, shin splints are nasty. I only ever experienced them when I first started running and upping my mileage. I would consider stepping back a bit, doing a bit of resting, and then getting back into it. If they're still bothering you, than I would think it might be your shoes or the surface you are running on!

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  11. Be careful Sherrie. They can get bad. You have lots of great advice from folks... When I had them is was due to my shoes and increasing my speed to fast, relatively easy things to fix. Good luck with getting better!

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  12. Yuck, sorry about the shin splints. My sister has gotten them before when she has increased mileage too soon. I have also heard that your stride can cause the problem, but I'm not sure on that one. Hope you heal up fast!

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  13. WELL AS YOU KNOW I'M ALL KINDS OF EXPERIENCED! THAT BEING SAID...AND A GOOD GIGGLE RELEASED...I'M ALL ABOUT TAKING A REST. GOOD ADVICE FOLKS. SORRY YOU HAVE TO GO THROUGH THIS SHER.

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  14. rest, ice, stretching, strengthening...try thera-band exercises as well. hope ya feel better soon girly :)

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