I think I have mild shin splints

[TristanM]

Hi guys, so yet again I’ve started the C25K programme. I’m now on W4R2. I’ve suffered with these in the past, like quite badly and I’ve taken all the advice on here and so to confirm:

- I had a gait analysis done which recommended me a type of running shoe AND some insoles to put in (Saucony brand)

- I do dynamic stretches (lunges, knees up etc) before every single run and I also stick rigorously to stretches afterwards. The ones detailed on the app.

But, unfortunately I’m still getting mild pain on my shins only AFTER my running. Nothing affects me or that I can feel when I’m running, apart from just general legs working hard but if for example I come back home and with my hand, place it over the front of my leg/shin and twist ever so slightly, I can definitely feel a pain/soreness on the sides. Other times I can press quite hard and I have no pain.

Is this just muscles getting used to it and getting stronger? I’m now thinking it could be my running style perhaps.. tonight I had a look at Chi-Running and got quite confused…

I don’t want this to stop my running again. As I said, I’m not in pain from the shins during my running, only afterwards..

Any advice is always appreciated. Thank you.

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Are you heel striking when you run ?

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

As stated in this article active.com/running/articles... shin splints is a fairly general term which covers lots of different issues, but basically it is caused by your musculature not being strong enough to cope with the impacts that you are imposing.

Reduce impact and do strengthening exercises, both of which are detailed and linked to in the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Chi running is basically making sure that your footfall is under your body, not in front, (so not overstriding, which can often cause heel strike which imparts greater impact stresses) and landing on mid or fore foot.