Shin splints

I started my C25K last May, and have now got to the stage of running 7k twice a week, with the odd park-run when timing permits. I’ve even entered the Newport 10k in May to celebrate my year of running.

However, a few weeks ago I nearly quit, I have been suffering shin splints on and off, mainly my left leg, but had a run and half way through was in agony, my left leg was burning. I couldn’t see a way forward, I tried compression sleeves, but they didn’t work.

Then I found this guy on YouTube , I’ve no affiliation or connection, but his simple exercises have done the trick, and are so easy to maintain.

If you suffer shin splints, take a look at this link, it helped me to keep my running faith.

youtu.be/FxLjRBJ5W70(Not working as expected?)

[Granspeed Graduate]

Don’t have the splints but the video looks really useful, so have book marked just in case! Thanks. 👏🏼

[misswobble Graduate in reply to Granspeed]

I had a very bad shin splint. It’s all in the strengthening Once your legs are strong enough to support your running they should be a thing of the past. Which is why we always say slow and steady and don’t do too much too early

Calf, leg and foot exercises are the rehab for the condition. Once the inflammation is under control you can be free from the pain 🙂. Good luck 🙂

[Hidden in reply to misswobble]

Thanks for the advice, I’ve found since using the exercises regularly in between runs, my shins are feeling much better and the burning feeling has gone. Adjusting my running technique helped too, just easing back a bit. A friend advised running on grass more too, as it reduces the impact on your lower legs.

[misswobble Graduate in reply to Hidden]

I transitioned to lower drop shoes to get me from constantly being up on my toes, as my calves were so tight I went from 12 mm to a 4mm. Since then I sometimes wear zero drop Altras

It’s all about leg strength so go steady. Fast running slams the legs , so keep the speed down to your running legs are built - if they’re not. It takes 18 - 24 months to build a full set 😃

Shin splint is a stress fracture so take real care. The exercises are brill so do them diligently. I had to do mine 4 times a day. I didn’t run for months When I did get back i did two mins every third day 🙁. Walking lunges is good to do when you’re feeling stronger The physio used to get me to slowly walk, and whilst doing so, roll through the entire gait from toe to heel. i used to walk home from the hospital doing it. I still do it now on my cool down walk home post run.

I’ve had no problems since but I did my exercises religiously I had lots of pain and drank anti inflammatory smoothies for weeks 😃

[PeterBrash]

Thanks so much for posting this. I’ve been having a fairly horrible month with pain in my right shin.

Wednesday last week was the nadir, painful and slower than I’ve run for ages.

Found this thread on Friday and started the exercises. Been doing them twice a day and trying the tip toe exercise as often as possible. My ankle has started to feel a lot more stable and the shin pain has gone.

Had a run this morning and apart from a little niggle at the beginning it was pain free. Also logged my first sub 26 minute 5k since November. Nearly two minutes quicker than last week.

[Hidden in reply to PeterBrash]

Great news glad it helped, I’ve been fine as long as I keep up the exercises, before I was in agony every run. Keep going I’m aiming at my first 10k in May! Argh!!