Shin splints: tubigrip - help or hindrance?

[earl-grey-sian]

I'm only on week 2 of the programme, but I've been experiencing shin pain which I'm assuming is shin splints (I believe they're quite common in 'new' runners).

My question is: Is tubigrip a good idea? Will it help or make things worse?

[Greg_M Graduate]

I can't see it making it worse, though not entirely sure it will help much either. It is really a strength and mobility thing and the best thing is to grab up a routine of exercises and stretches to loosen up that area and build some strength up.

As you say its pretty common ailment in these parts and it can be dealt with. There are a few routines in here if you search it and loads on the web in general.

Just have some patience, there is no magic bullet to make it go away so don't lose heart. I have had loads and am still here

[earl-grey-sian Graduate in reply to Greg_M]

Thanks Greg. I'm going to get some Rock Tape from my nearest running shop tomorrow, see if that works. I've heard good things about it

[runningwild Graduate in reply to earl-grey-sian]

Hi earl-grey-sian, I'm intrigued, 'rock tape?'

[earl-grey-sian Graduate in reply to runningwild]

It's the tape that you stretch and stick onto the affected area. It's supposed to lift the skin allowing the blood to flow more freely to the affected soft tissue and speed up the healing process.

Worth a try?

[runningwild Graduate in reply to earl-grey-sian]

Ah right, may try as recovering from shin splints at the moment, thanks

[damadamski Graduate]

I suffered from shin splints when I started running. Here are some tips that helped me.

1. Make sure you have a mid foot strike when running . Landing on your heel will only make the problem worse. Run (if you can) with no shoes on. you will find you will run naturally mid foot.

2. Make sure you are landing midfoot and that your foot is under your hips when you do land. If you put your leg out in front and land on your heel first, your muscle will be pulling in one direction and the impact on the ground will rip that same muscle in the opposite direction.

3. Use ice on your shins . This worked wonders for me.....get down to your local super market and buy some long ice poles ( the kind you normally eat in the summer ), put your tubi grip on and fold it so there are three layers on your leg. Put the frozen ice poles under the first layer with the other two to protect your skin. The ice will help the pain and help the healing process. When the ice poles have melted, put them into the freezer for next time. You can of course buy the more expensive ice packs.

4. get a golf ball, put it on the floor and put the foot that belongs to the bad shin on it and massage it around the arch area and any other sore area by rolling it around, with your foot and give it a good bit of pressure.

5. What ever you do - DO NOT try and run through the pain, trust me , you will make it worse .

Hope some of that may help, good luck

[damadamski Graduate]

The ice packs are used when you are not running. Also , I run with my Tubi Grips on as I find the compression helps with recovery.

[earl-grey-sian Graduate in reply to damadamski]

Thanks for all your advice. I was going to buy a buy of 'sacraficial' peas. The golf ball trick sounds intrigueing. As it happened, the pain was much reduced when I ran yesterday. I'll continue to wear the tubigrips for now.

[damadamski Graduate]

That's good news