Shin splints: How do people conquer shin splints... - Couch to 5K

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Shin splints

Kpmadden profile image
3 Replies

How do people conquer shin splints? Do you do toe rises, to strengthen the shin, on your 'off day'?

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Kpmadden profile image
Kpmadden
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Honorsmum profile image
Honorsmum

The time I had shin splints when running (on a previous running programme a few years ago), I had to stop running completely for several weeks.

Your best bet is to look at the surface you're running on - pavement/road pounding is very unforgiving on your legs and the camber of a road can make it worse.

Increasing your distance too soon can also be a factor - are you following the c25k podcasts or are you beyond that?

The other big thing may be your shoes. Have you had your gait analysed at a specialist running shop? The wrong shoes for your foot action can cause no end of problems.

All this aside, stretches and leg strengthening exercises can only be beneficial - maybe Google shin splints and see what's suggested?

crox profile image
croxGraduate

I think we all get sin splints at some stage, you'll have to see what works for you. I think (and this might be complete tripe) that micro fractures form and repair building stronger bones, so make sure you get plenty of calcium.

Good shoes is good advice, I also got calf sleeves that I found helped no end. You could also try slowing down to reduce the impact our thinking about how your foot strikes the ground, mid foot striking could also reduce the impact in your shins.

runningwild profile image
runningwildGraduate

Hi, I suffered with shin splints early on in the programme, turned out to be my shoes, but also if you have high arches it is common, which I have. this link will give you more info.They do go, just have to be patient which i know is frustrating!

Good luck :) runnersworld.com/injury-tre...

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