Shin Splints?

[earwig999]

I think I have shin splints. I had them last year when I started exercising and went when I stopped. Started again and they are back worse than ever. I only ran on the treadmill for 6 minutes last week and 6 this week with a 2.5 incline.

I have a really sore pain on my inner lower shin all the way up from the ankle to about 12" below my knee. The skin on my lower legs has brown freckle type marks, is this anything to do with it?

Even walking is painful now. I would love to just cut inside so I could see what the problem was. I think it is more to do with my calf muscles being too tight and adding strain to the shins.

Does anyone know how to get this to go away, or am I destined for the rest of my life to only swimming for exercise?

 

[Gargamel]

Does anyone know how to get this to go away, or am I destined for the rest of my life to only swimming for exercise?

Rowing machine, swimming, stationary bike, punchbag... you're not that limited - just coz the treadmill is out of the frame, theres always an option!

But before all that - re: your shin splints... rest up & ice up mate - thats the 1st thing to do!

Don't try and soldier your way thru the pain - it won't get better and your inflammation will just get worse.

2nd & 3rd thing - go and see your doc or find a local sports injury therapist from the Yellow Pages so they can diagnose exactly how bad its gotten.

They'll probably give you some exercises and stretches to do - DO THEM!!!

4th thing - find your nearest specialist runners shop and get them to fit you out some running shoes that suit your exact needs, your gait, your pronation etc...

Unfortunately doing all these things might cost you few quid BUT in later life you do still wanna be able to walk right?!

Post back and let us know how you get on - loads of people are in the same boat as you so it'll be really useful if you update this post with your progress.

Hope it goes well for you.

 

[MH]

You have to stretch properly, the pain you feel is the muscle trying to pull its self of the bone.

I used to suffer from them, and had to stop playing football because of it. I only do not impact sport now, i.e mountain biking.

 

[witchy]

I was told that shin splints are a result of over working an unfit muscle, and it can be overcome by starting off doing small amounts of exercise at first then doing more as the muscles get stronger.

I had them a few years ago when I was going to the gym and showing off on the treadmill. I was convinced I had actually cracked my shin bone, it was so painful.

 

[Gargamel]

I was told that shin splints are a result of over working an unfit muscle, and it can be overcome by starting off doing small amounts of exercise at first then doing more as the muscles get stronger.

I had them a few years ago when I was going to the gym and showing off on the treadmill. I was convinced I had actually cracked my shin bone, it was so painful.

Everyone's shin splints are different!!!!

Person A and Person B's shin splint pains will be caused by different triggers and require individual diagnosis and treatment.

The term "shin splints" is so generic but everyone's causes are very individual and specific.

There's no 'one cure fits all' quick fix!

Please please please do your body a favour and pay the 40 quid or whatever your local sport injury clinic charge and get a professional opinion. They will give you all the advice, stretches and strengthening exercises that you need.

And then get yourself down to the running shoe shop for an analysis and fitting.

Think about it.. if your car was faulty and needed diagnosis or repair by a specialist mechanic and some new parts - you'd pay to get it done - because you need the use of your car.

Treat your body with the same respect.

 

[mozr]

Reading this thread my help too.

 

[Evastar]

You could actually have tiny stress fractures in the tibia, so it is important to get a proper diagnosis.

 

[Evastar]

Shin Splints

Damage to the tissues along the lower tibia medial or lateral, with fibrous adhesions forming between muscles and bone.

Possible causes are perositis of the tibia or micro-trauma causing scarring in muscles and adhesions to the tibia.


Causes

Change of surface
Various shoe types/hard heels
Intensive hard training
Impacting, jumping, running sports

High arches can contribute to the condition


Symptoms

Pain and tenderness, lateral or medial tibia
Pain will increase on dorsiflexion
May be signs of inflammation, red, hot, swollen
Muscles of the area may have trigger points
Weakness of the involved muscles may be seen in chronic cases

A common complication of shin splints is a stress facture.


Treatment

In acute cases, rest limb for 2 - 3 days
Apply ice packs
Elevate limb to reduce inflammation

Later apply treatment to tibialis anterior, friction massage to increase blood flow and prevent adhesions. Gastrocnemium, soleus and peroneals.
Stretching to tibialis anterior, posterior.