I have started running recently. All started well until around week 3-4 when I started to get pain down the front inner portion of my shins and also some pain just below my knee cap.
The pain is uncomfortable but not horrific. However, it is preventing me from running. If I take some ibuprofen and rest for a couple of days the pain subsides but when I run again it returns.
I believe that I may have shin splints.
can someone please give me some advice on how to overcome this condition as I would like to continue my running.
TIA
Written by
HobbleRunner
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Hi there. I also developed shin splints around week 3, so I know how uncomfortable they are, and I definitely couldn't run with the pain. I stopped running for about 10 days to 2 weeks and then started again, and the shin splints never returned. Apparently it's very common amongst new runners.
I also found that I should have been doing stretching before and after running, and that may have helped as well. The following links are for dynamic stretches to do before running and static stretches for afterwards.
If you scroll down to the bit about stretching it mentions that heelstriking can cause jarring and shin splints/knee pain.
Obviously if the pain continues it would be a good idea to consult a GP or physio, but hopefully the shin splints will subside and you'll be able to start running again.
Best of luck, and keep us posted about your progress!🤞👍
🍏 Welcome to the forum & so sorry you are experiencing pain. Often these injuries sustained by new runners is due to running too fast! Slow running … slow enough to hold a conversation is the way forward once you are off the injury couch plus supporting your runs with warm ups, cooldowns and strength & Flex. Excellent advice given to you by JoP61 Do follow up those links. Let us know how you get on!
I started to develop shin splints in the last stages of C25k and managed a couple of weeks post graduation before I twigged what my problem was.
On visiting the doctor I ended up with X-rays to check if I had stress fractures, I hadn’t but the thought was sobering . The GP was very clear that I should not run until it was sorted and suggested calf and leg exercises.
Now about 8-9 moths on have restarted. I wrote my own programme which is longer and with very gradual increments in running time. I loved the C25k programme and was overjoyed to get to 30min running in 9 weeks but my body, specifically my legs, needed a longer programme!
In the interim I have walked and done occasional micro runs along with other exercise but I am hoping that by a very gradual restart I won’t retrigger the issue.
My suggestion to you would be not to push on at all cost but rather to find some appropriate leg exercises to strengthen yourself in preparation for running. Keep walking/exercising/try out some tiny runs in due course but no sustained running until you’ve sorted the shin splints . If you can afford it, you could see a sports physiotherapist to get some targeted exercises and professional advice .
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Shin splints?
Shin splints!!!
Shin splints
Shin splints!!!
Is this shin splints?
