Shin Splints

[LoonyLoo]

I’m due to do W8, R1 today. I decided to hold off and do it tomorrow as I think I may have the beginnings of shin splints.

What’s the general advice on managing these little buggers?

[Warb81 Graduate]

Shin splints are usually a sign that either you’re training too hard (running too long and/or not taking breaks between runs) or you have a technique problem. If you’re running 3 times a week with at least a day between it’s probably not that and I assume you built up to this by following the C25K plan.

So that leaves technique. How do you run? Your run should be kind of low key, not bouncy, you should barely be bringing your feet off the floor as you run. If you feel like your feet are thumping the ground when you land then you need to look into ways to improve your running style and it should help.

In the meantime, take a couple of days because the splints will take you out for much longer!

[Anitacstrong Graduate]

Try compression socks and make sure you've good footwear - maybe get a gait analysis at a proper running shop. I had shin splints and eventually had to stop jogging for a while. I did go to a running shop and they said my hair was fine but my shoes were too bendy so I was probably going over a bit when I was running. I think it's worth getting the advice. I was dreading going into a proper running shop as I felt like a complete novice but they were absolutely lovely and didn't rip me off.