Shin splints

[cfkch]

I'm convinced I've got shin splints (on wk 2 run 1). Pain is very bad not just a cramp and not improving during rest periods. Have read that you should rest for 2 weeks and not run through the pain... I do not want to stop (just in case I don't start again). Any advice / si

milar experiences appreciated.

[casdix Graduate]

The advice certainly says you should rest and not try to run through it - I know it's disappointing but the sooner you rest, the sooner you can get back to the running.

If you search shin pain on here, some have found compression socks have helped, others say stretches, but if it's not improving when you're resting then that may well be shin splints.

Do you have good running shoes? Might be worth getting fitted for some?

Hope this helps

[louisera]

i'm having the same problem, i've got pronated ankles so get shin splints along the inside of my shins. i'm on week six, and stupidly did a 20-minute run the other night knowing full well that my shins had been hurting that day. afterwards i was in agony, and i keep getting awful ripping pains down my shins now after walking up or down stairs or crouching down. my shins are tender, like they're bruised.

i know it's awful considering you've only just got going, but you have to rest for a week or two otherwise you're going to put yourself out for much longer. i find that not being able to run for a while makes me even more willing to get going afterwards as it makes me realise that i really want to do it - sometimes you need something to be taken away to realise how much you miss it!

[cfkch Graduate]

Thanks both ... Louisera you describe exactly how I feel... Can't even walk down the stairs properly. Might ride the bike for a week, then start the running again.

[Greg_M Graduate]

This is how I self-medicated mine

couchto5k.healthunlocked.co...

[cfkch Graduate]

Thanks Greg ... Think ill have to stop for a week and will definitely do tbe stretches you've listed. Really helpful. Am thinking of popping into the running shop tomorrow and getting my gait analysed too.

[Greg_M Graduate]

Yes definitely do that as well, that's really important.

Good luck, don't rush it frustrating as it may be.

[MrsBristow]

I'm just back from week 2 run 2 and my shin on my right leg is agony! Its really tender to touch and feels like im going to get crap. Its so painful down the left side of the shin. Think i'm gonna have a good few rest days and see how it goes, i really should invest in a decent pair of running shoes too as i just bought a cheap pair and thats probably whats causing half the problem.

[MrsBristow]

Cramp that meant say!! lol

[Hidden]

Thanks for all this info. Am on week 3 of B210k and after having done C25k now this I finally get shin splints and they are v painful! So am resting and stretching even though I feel like a fish out of water not being able to run now that it is so much part of my daily routine.

[sbhoa]

Week 1 run 1 today. I went and got properly fitted for shoes and got the running socks too before I started Got shin pain early on and quit running after the 5th run as it was hard enough walking by then, not only the shins but general muscle fatigue, and I was still a mile from home with a hill to walk up. Shin pain eased while walking up hill and is ok now. I was surprised how hard it was as I've been doing regular walking for 5 weeks, 2.5 to 3 miles at a time with an average speed of around 3.36mph.

Wondering if it's getting used to the weight of running shoes as opposed to the sandals I've mostly worn when walking. My toes were numb too.

Any advice welcome before I go again on Thursday.