Shin splints

[ironeagle48162]

Does anyone here have a good treatment for shin splints? I've tried ice, hot baths with Epsom salts, massage, topical pain relievers, and Tylenol. I've been fighting them for a couple of weeks. The left one is at a pain level of 4, which I can deal with, but the right one is at about an 8.

I managed a measly 5 minutes at a disgustingly slow pace of 5.0 on the treadmill tonight before I was in so much pain I had to stop...and I had a massage yesterday where he spent a good 15 minutes on each shin!

I have a 5k race coming up 2 weeks from tomorrow with 1000 stairs interspersed throughout. I want to do it in 35 minutes or less (I'd go for better, but the run is at a much higher elevation than where I live), but I don't know with these doggone shin splints. Any ideas? Thanks in advance!

[derketchup]

You need new running shoes that are right for your gait. Shinsplints are caused by running more on the balls of the feet. Until you fix the way you run, they will not go away.

[derketchup]

Also, you might try 800mg of motrin (ibuprofin or advil are other names it goes by) twice a day. It will not only help with the pain but it will also bring down the inflammation if you take it regularly.

[elizabethm]

You need new running shoes that are right for your gait. Shinsplints are caused by running more on the balls of the feet. Until you fix the way you run, they will not go away.

New running shoes are a must. Dick's Sporting Goods has a fantastic guide to choosing sneakers: Running Shoe Buyers Guide - Dick's Sporting Goods

I had awful shin splints before I found sneakers with a medial post. The first couple days they feel weird since they're supporting your feet differently than you're used to. After that, your feet and shins will feel so good! You might also want to put Dr. Scholl's or Triad 3/4 inserts in your regular shoes.

I introduced my husband to the dual medial post sneakers and he's a convert.

[Eyes Wide Right]

I second the idea on using an anti-inflammatory (instead of tylenol). And then rest, of course. Also, if they have been at a pain level of 8 for more than a couple of weeks, I would get them checked out (stress fractures could be possible).

[derketchup]

I second the idea on using an anti-inflammatory (instead of tylenol). And then rest, of course. Also, if they have been at a pain level of 8 for more than a couple of weeks< I would get them checked out (stress fractures could be possible).

Very good point! It is possible that they may be stress fractures.

[ironeagle48162]

Thanks, everyone. I'm pretty sure there are two factors that have caused these darned splints.

For one, I have a thyroid problem that came out of nowhere, causing me to gain 30 pounds in just a couple of months.

For another, there hasn't been a decent gym down here in Podunk since we moved here 3-1/2 years ago, so I was working out at home. I'd run outside when it's not too hot (which hasn't been the past few months in Arizona!). Then a couple of months ago, we got a fabulous big, new, wonderful gym (aka Heaven) and I started running 2-3 times a week. So I think that the weight gain which caused more impact and the new running regimen certainly contributed in a big way. I've also been doing a ton of incline work because the run I'm doing in a couple of weeks will be a lot of uphill stuff.

I have been wearing New Balance running shoes. Every person I know who has been to a podiatrist say their doctor recommends only New Balance shoes. I know I'm an underpronator, so if anyone has a specific shoe they'd like to recommend, I'm all ears. Has to be wide-width, though, which is a big thing I love about New Balance.

I am thinking that next week for cardio I should stick with the elliptical trainer, the rowing machine, the stair climber, and cycling. No running/walking. I'll keep up with the icing and Motrin (I meant Motrin in my first post, don't know why I said Tylenol! ) as well. I just want to feel decent come race day!

[elizabethm]

Ah, underpronator. If you go to a good sneaker store, they should be able to show you some NB's with the EVA midsole.

[coupon91]

Hmm... maybe go to a store that specializes in running shoes so that you can be fittend for ones that are perfect for you? Good shoes really will make a large difference. I hope your shins feel better soon.

[ldymcbth]

I would suggest finding a store specific to running shoes. We have a few here....Fleet Feet & Columbus Running Company. I went to Fleet Feet. What they do is have you run on a treadmill. A camera records you and then they play it back in slow motion to analyze the way you run. They can tell if you pronate or supponate (not sure of spelling)...it sounds like you supponate. Then they will suggest the proper running shoe for you. It made a huge difference for me!