Shin Splints

[Peace_Hope]

I have had shin splints every year that I ran. And this year they are really starting to get in the way of my running and being able to compete to the limit.

Anyone know of anyway to get rid of this dang things.

So far I have tried Advil, and it works, but I heard it thins your blood also which means less oxygen to the body...

Any ideas?

[RunningJim]

weird, I actually have never heard of this, I guess I am just a very lucky runner.

[Maverick]

Ice Mesage(or however it is spelt)
They work great it takes about 1-1.5 weeks to get rid of but its better then 3-4 weeks

First thing you do is pick a up some dixie cups and fill them half full of water to 3/4 full then you let them freeze over night and then when you start haveing some pain in you shin take one and tear the paper off around the ice just a little bit at a time though then rub the ice on the shin that hurts its cold at first but its better then thinning your blood.

[Peace_Hope]

I think I will have to try that ice massage thing, sounds interseting and soothing.

[ravs2k6]

The right shoes can definitely help the shin splints. We see people everyday who have them and they needed better arch support. This can be done by the shoes or by arch supports put into the shoes. The shoes are the best way, so go to a running specialty store where they evaluate your running gait to help select the proper shoe. If you overpronate, your arch collapses causing the tibia and fibula to rotate inward creating micro tears in the muscles along the shin. A shoe with better medial support will keep the arch stable and prevent the shin splints.

[moor2k6]

One of the most important things is to get better arch support. The arch drops causing the tibia and fibula to rotate inward creating micro tears in the muscles along the shins. Stretch your calfs, ice the shins and use BioFreeze or Icy Hot like ointment prior to running.

[naidu]

Ice massage is good. But its better t o give hot and cold therapy. First give ice massage then add little salt in warm water and soak your legs for some time.

[akilles13]

When your shin splints aren't hurting, it's a good opportunity to do some preventive maintenace. Try to even up the strength of your shins and calves so one muscle isn't doing more than it's share. Sometimes lopsided strength in the muscles can cause that pain, sort of like when your abs and lower back are uneven.

[kelkat]

I think this is what I had and I agree that exercise can be the answer.

Here's what happened. After walking for several weeks, I decided to add a little running. My plan was to get back up to running a couple of miles. After only a few days, my legs hurt so bad that I had trouble standing on them. After suffering for a while, I decided to try my exercises from when I injured my knee playing basketball in highschool (I can't believe I remembered what to do). Either it was because of me not running or because of the exercises, but my legs felt better in no time. (I think it was the exercise)

[TheFron]

Thanks for that advise Maverick! My mom has horrible shin splints and I'll tell her about this method of treatment. For years I've heard her complain about how much they hurt and she didn't know how to treat them. :(

[PinkCheeseMuffler]

Be very careful with shin splints - some, if left untreated, can turn into stress fractures of the shin bones, taking 12 weeks + of TOTAL rest to heal fully.

If in doubt, go and see a sports injury specialist - I didn't and I paid the price which was very painful both physically and mentally.

[KickNit]

Shin Splints hurt like hell! Yes, be careful.