Shin pain.

[slowyellow]

Ok, I've been trying to get back into running over the past year. I first started and I think that i was over doing it, I got shin splints pretty damn bad so I stopped running, that's what I read to do. After a few weeks worth of healing I started up again, shin splints again, stopped running. This time, I've been running for about 4 months roughly 4-5 times a week varying from 1.5 miles to 3 miles each run. My shins hurt, but not as bad as the first time. I'm 25 lbs lighter than a year ago, I have a dedicated pair of asics running shoes. I stretch thoroughly before and after running. If I take a week off, the pain goes away but is back after the first run.

I guess my question is what gives? I've been persistent and think that I've done everything that "they" tell you to do to not get shin splints. I'm glad that I've gotten back into the routine, and don't really want to stop again. I feel great after I run, I just hate the pain in my legs. I really feel like it's holding me back. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Geoff

[clevelandkid]

Get yourself a pair of these:

http://www.mcdavidusa.com/Product/44...djustable.aspx

And hop on youtube and search for shin splint exercise... Here's one - there are a bunch

[slowyellow]

Get yourself a pair of these:

http://www.mcdavidusa.com/Product/44...djustable.aspx

And hop on youtube and search for shin splint exercise... Here's one - there are a bunch

Thanks for the link and video. I'll try some of those stretches and order some of the supports. I'll look crazy running around with them, but if they work I won't care. Also, will I ever "grow" out of them? Or am I going to be stuck with shin splints forever and have to wear those things all of the time?

[Shorty]

I had shin splints bad a couple years ago. I was in the middle of rugby season so I couldn't just stop running. The biggest thing that helped was slowly warming up and stretching prior to running at all. I used liniments on my lower legs prior to warming up too. I would also ice after running and massage on off days. It wasn't an immediate fix but it let me keep running/playing without too much pain. Stretching your calf muscles is important too.

[BERNIE MOSFET]

I ran a lot as an adolescent even with extremely painful shin splints. I don't think the shin splints ever really went away. They either they got better after a few years of doing it, or I just don't remember it hurting as much. I don't have answers, but I can sympathize!

[clevelandkid]

Also, will I ever "grow" out of them? Or am I going to be stuck with shin splints forever and have to wear those things all of the time?

I've heard they are caused by a muscle imbalance between the front and back - so if you get that worked out it should stop.

Mine don't bother me much anymore, but every once in a while they will flare up and I will need to rest or break out the wraps again.

[TruestreetTim]

I'm not big on running either due to shin issues. Though by paying attention to my form I've been able to overcome the problem quite a bit.....but I still don't run much.

I always ran onto, and off, my toes which I felt contributed to the problem. But I also realized that I held a lot of my weight forward while running. By working to reform the way I run by keeping my head and shoulders (weight) more rearward, and hit more towards the heel, (think jogging on a slight downhill) I can go much longer than before. A longer stride also helped get my heels under me too. Just things I've noticed about myself. Maybe it will help you.