Shin splint advice

[NigelS]

Hi! Following some great advice here, I have been to a specialist shop, had a gait analysis and bought some more appropriate shoes which will hopefully help with my shin splints (for me pain on outside front of shin). The guy at the shop however recommended I stop running for a couple of weeks and ice/rest my legs until these heal. However, given I've come so far in a short time (Week7/Run1) I am reluctant to go back to my couch as I feel it will set me back. My question to the forum is; if this is just a muscle protesting at being used more than normal, isn't it better to press on and keep the legs actively engaged in running rather than doing nothing.

To clarify, mine is a dull pain along length of anterior tibialis which recovers if I stop running almost immediately. If I walk for about 30 seconds I can resume running. This doesn't 'sound' to be like a series of micro-fractures accompanied by inflammation.

Grateful for any advice however.

Kind regards, Nigel

[snagsboson Graduate]

I’ve got to w7r3 and had to see a sports physio due to shin splints. From what he said mine were down to tight calves. I was advised not to run for 10 days and to stretch my calves 3 times per day for 30 seconds per stretch. Ice my shins after stretching 3 times per day. During thisdown time I used a cross trainer for low impact cardio.

After 10 days I have took his advice of reverting back to run/walk intervals for 2 runs and I am feeling much better. I’m still stretching a few times per day and icing when I get chance.

If you keep impact training on shin splints it can possibly lead to stress fractures.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

You will not lose any discernible condition in the first two weeks of non running and resting shin splints can help and it would be wise to follow that advice.

Have you read this article about shinsplints runnersworld.com/shin-splints/

Cycling or other non-impact cross training would be beneficial.

[NigelS in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks, that’s v helpful. A friend said something like “at your age (54) you’ll be back to square one really quickly if you stop” kind of scared me. Square one for me was having ton walk the third and fourth minute in week one, run one. I just don’t want to go back there.

However, now considering the gym to keep up other fitness work.

Thx again. Best, Nigel

[SlowLoris]

Shin splints is often used to describe all sorts of aches and pains in that area. I still get aching shins when I push it a bit farther. The cure is rest but if not severe, easing off a bit can keep it manageable.

You know your body. Aches and niggles are normal. Pain is a warning. Never run through pain and if it's getting worse, stop.

[Time_to_run Graduate]

Many moons ago I had bad shin splints through doing to much high impact work at the gym with the incorrect footwear (lessons learnt), and ignored advise, and ultimately ended up having physio for 8 weeks on my shins.

[NigelS in reply to Time_to_run]

Ooh, that sounds awful. Thank you.

I guess I could do with some help discerning if what I have is shin splints, or just some natural aching of muscles that aren’t used to having to do anything. Maybe a little time with a sports physio at the outset will be the thing..

Many thanks. Nigel

[Time_to_run Graduate]

Yes it was painful, and the physio was even more painful lol, they press & hold at pressure points on your shins, I even had bruises after the sessions. This time around doing C25K I have been very careful, worn compression socks etc, you name it, and rested on rest days. Fingers crossed no signs yet.

[MarkyD Graduate]

Hi Nigel, I started a lengthy response to you, but then moved it to a post of it own so that other members can find it.

It's here:

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...