Shin pain

[Linda_pink]

I have had shin pain after my last 3 runs. Haven't really been doing anything different. really don't want to stop running. Any advice please?

[Minimaxi Graduate]

Sorry to say that once you have shin splints you really do need to rest and stop running for a couple of weeks. Otherwise it'll only get worse. I know how frustrating this can be. Here's some more information: nhs.uk/conditions/shin-spli...

[JoolieB1 Graduate]

Shin pain needs to be taken seriously, the only time I haven't run for a week was because of shin pain. However the week off did work for me and when I returned to running, I slowed down and only ran on soft ground. My legs are much stronger nowadays and I run again on harder surfaces a lot. Let us know how it responds to rest

[davelinks Graduate]

Hi, maybe that's the problem! "haven't been doing anything different" been on the same hard surface? Constant pounding wearing your shoe's down? so check your shoe's, they may need replacing, have a gait analysis and expert advice on running technique in a specialist running shop..

Consider chop & change running surface from hard pavement/tarmac to grass/trail which has a little give..

If the pain carries on and is proper shin splints it will take at least 6-8 weeks of ABSOLUTELY no running to clear it up entirely or it can just come back again...

[Linda_pink Graduate]

Thanks for all the advice. Was afraid of that. Feeling really down now, running is the only exercise I've found that I enjoy and haven't found boring. Worried that my fitness will go and my weight will go up which is even harder on my legs. Have tried running on grass but find it difficult due to the unevenness and instability which makes my hips sore.

[melly4012 Graduate in reply to Linda_pink]

We all get injured from time to time. I ended up out for over two months not long after I graduated and it was miserable but you do get through it and back to the running again. Try not to feel too disheartened, stick with the forum to keep your motivation for when you're ok again.

[Dianespedding]

I used to get this when i first did this programme a few years ago, i just concentrated on how i was landing slowed down but kept going after a while they stopped for me, but im no doctor goid luck

[melly4012 Graduate]

Yes, RICE and make sure you're better before you run again. Have you had a gait anaylsis? Do you run hills? Running too fast? These things can all bring on shin pain so making a few of these minor adjustments could help once you're back to it.

[dottiemay Graduate]

All of the above ^^.

But, it could just as easily be that your laces are too tight! It's logical to think that they need to be quite tight to stop your shoes slipping but I always got severe shin pain unless my laces were quite loose. Feet swell when they get hot and if the blood supply to and from your feet is restricted, you will get pain. Also check out the different ways of lacing - different foot sizes and shapes often work better with different lacing. Google 'lacing running shoes'.

Of course, you need to rest and definitely don't run if the problem persists. Maybe try a short run with loose laces and see if it still occurs.