Shin splints

[Katkat2987]

I have just signed up to couch to 5k app and plan to start in the afternoon, iv not tried running in years but I love the thought of it! I know that anytime I have ran before I get really bad pain in my shins, I hope that stretches before and after will help, I also get pain with a vain in my left leg. Anyone got any advice on preventing leg pain?? Thanks.

[telford_mike Graduate]

The 5 minute warm up walk is all you should need. Take it easy, and good luck!

[Hihi94]

I have the same problem, and also looking for advice! I’m having to run on a very flat treadmill which isn’t ideal either...

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Hihi94]

Check out my reply above

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Welcome.... please do check out this post...it it essential reading...

You will need to warm up really well and the post run stretches are very important... so..before you head out... take a look at the link and then..slow and steady is the way...

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[Katkat2987 in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you very much I’ll check this out!

[Agentmay Graduate]

I got some compression sleeves when my legs started playing up. Thankfully I only had to wear them for a few runs but at least I have them now. Best advice is don't go too fast and lots of water.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5... and includes advice on minimising impact and stretching after every run.

Enjoy your journey

[Katkat2987 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you, I’ll have a look.

[Mrstaylor81 Graduate]

Hi katkat, I suffered really badly with shin and calf pain in the first few weeks. So much so I almost gave up, but on the advice of others in the forum I upped my water intake to 2-3 litres a day and persevered with the programme, sometimes repeating a run if I couldn’t manage it first time and after 3-4 weeks the pain just magically disappeared! Please stick with it, I promise you it gets easier, so much so you’ll hopefully come to enjoy running in time 😊 good luck with your journey, I’ll watch out for your progress and cheer you on your way 😁

[Katkat2987 in reply to Mrstaylor81]

Oh thanks for this, that’s amazing the pain went away!! I hope that’s the case for me too!

[Supersteph in reply to Katkat2987]

I had the exact same thing. The first time I tried I gave up running completely because of it. But the second time round I made sure I kept to rest days and be sure to stretch and warm up/down.

You can do it!

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

If you have a varicose vein you may wish to try knee high compression socks or the compression guards. Depending on the severity you may still get some discomfort from it. If it's too severe talk to your gp. I had one treated in my 20s privately as mine was not severe enough for nhs to act on.

[Katkat2987 in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Yes mine is not severe enough to get treated on nhs, I do have some compression socks I can use so will pop those on. Thanks