Shin splints: Hey, so ive been running for about... - Couch to 5K

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Shin splints

bethto5k profile image
bethto5kGraduate
7 Replies

Hey, so ive been running for about half a year now and ive always suffered with pain in my left leg, on my shin.

I read that resting it helps, and I didnt go running for six weeks! But as soon as I got back out there, it came straight back, and only ever in my left leg.

I was just wondering if anyone knew how I should tackle this? Cheers!

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bethto5k profile image
bethto5k
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7 Replies
GettingFitter profile image
GettingFitterGraduate

Hi beth luckily never had them but there is some good advice here runnersworld.co.uk/beating-... you could also visit your GP

helenbones profile image
helenbonesGraduate

both my children (late teenagers) had problems with shin splints and getting their gait analysed and appropriate footwear supplied did the job of stopping it coming back once they iced and rested.

hope it works for you

Yes, I got them on week 2, couldn't believe how painful they were. I got new shoes, very expensive but worth every penny, I don't get any pain now (touch wood)

kickibro profile image
kickibroGraduate

I suffered a shin splint fairly recently and took 2 weeks off, complete rest. In truth, I was incredibly lazy :D and there was a lot of leg raised sitting and reading. I was reading a lot about running and shin splints :D I needed a running fix still.

It was very painful and I took to wearing knee supports (from Wilkinsons coz they're cheap) day and night, leaving them off when they got uncomfortably tight. After a week they seemed a bit better but not good enough to run so I decided another week of total rest was the answer. Articles I had been reading suggested 2 weeks anyway.

I also bought some sports orthotic innersoles for my trainers. I didn't want to have to buy new trainers and I was pretty sure I over pronated and gait analysis would diagnose this fault. My nephew in law said they had helped him. These were over 20 quid from Boots and I figured better than forking out for new trainers and if it remedied the problem then great, and if not well it's just twenty quid I would waste. I hate waste.

After 2 weeks I gingerly stepped out in ny running gear complete with existing trainers and new innersoles. I decided I would only do a 20 min slow run as I didn't want to re-injure myself. Apart from a few knee niggles it seemed ok. I did short runs for a week and gradually increased duration and intensity.

It seems the sports orthotic innersoles have worked for me. I am feeling pretty good and am better than ever as I have increased my distance steadily since. Next time I will buy more appropriate trainers but not whilst mine are ok.

I wanted to update you. I ran 7.11k last Thursday and felt good. I had some stiffness next day as usual. The next day it was a bit worse. It's easing a tiny bit but I have a 10k race soon and am seriously considering gait analysis now. It might be wise to do ot now rather than risk injury later.

bethto5k profile image
bethto5kGraduate in reply to kickibro

Yeah, I'm starting to think that I need to go and have my gait properly analysed and buy some appropriate running trainers. But those are EXPENSIVE so I'm gonna take your initiative and buy some inner soles for the time being. Maybe if I can last until Christmas I can convince someone to buy me them as a present! Thank you!

kickibro profile image
kickibroGraduate in reply to bethto5k

Welcome! I hope it helps. Keep us posted xxx

baronblaze profile image
baronblaze

I had the same problem of shin splints which materialised in both legs after about 9 months from running regularly. I eventually had to follow the same advise as yourself which was rest. When i started running the shin splints came back. I then had gait analysis and bought the running shoes recommended (neutral and cushioned). The shin splints got worse that i became paranoid about even wearing my new expensive running shoes and went back to my old shoes. I saw a physiotherapist who advised doing various strengthening and stretching exercises. I also bought a foam roller from sports direct for about £7. Slowly the shin splints eased. I still have to be cautious but the stretching and rollering seems to helped a lot.

New shoes my help if the one's you are wearing are not suitable for your gait but they are not always the answer. Daily stretching and after running should help but it is not a quick solution.

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