Shin splints

[JMonkey]

Has or does anyone suffer/ed from Shin splints? In the past year I've managed to go from being able to run 15 miles without any legs pains to barely being able to run 2 miles. When I run around 3 miles my legs from the knee down swell up with blood and I can barely walk at all.

I have no idea what to attribute this to, being that I used to be able to run without any problems at all. The only change I can think of is that I have been working hard on increasing my upper body strength and have since gained around 10kg in weight. Perhaps my legs are not used to the extra weight, but it doesn't hurt when I walk around.

I have an appointment booked at a physiotherapist but would just like to know if anyone has had this before and how they fixed it, or if any one has any ideas on what could be the problem.

[MightySunTzu]

Hey there JMonkey,

I had it very recently and eliminated it by doing a water fast. I know another woman who fasted specifically to eliminate her shin splints and it worked for her as well. For me, my pain was gone in 2-3 days. For her, i don't recall, but pretty sure it was somewhere between 2 and 5 days.

Good luck.

[Gaz]

If it came on that suddenly it could be any number of things, although the fact that you can walk around without any pain does seem to narrow it down. The weight gain may account for some of it although then it would gradually get better unless you've done something more permanent.

My running coach had a problem on one of her races where the muscle up the front of the shin pulled away from the bone, but I doubt it's that. The physiotherapist will probably be able to give you a better idea of what it is, as well as give you strengthening exercises to fix it.

[funchy]

Definitely meet with the physiotherapist.

Question: have you changed the kind shoes you're running in? Or terrain? Does it hurt no matter what shoes you wear?

One theory I've heard is that overpronation of the ankle puts additional stress on the front of the leg, possibly causing shin splints. A change in running shoe and/or shoe inserts may help, if this is your problem. A podiatrist consultation might help you.

[Orecle]

Originally Posted by JMonkey

Has or does anyone suffer/ed from Shin splints? In the past year I've managed to go from being able to run 15 miles without any legs pains to barely being able to run 2 miles. When I run around 3 miles my legs from the knee down swell up with blood and I can barely walk at all.

I have no idea what to attribute this to, being that I used to be able to run without any problems at all. The only change I can think of is that I have been working hard on increasing my upper body strength and have since gained around 10kg in weight. Perhaps my legs are not used to the extra weight, but it doesn't hurt when I walk around.

I have an appointment booked at a physiotherapist but would just like to know if anyone has had this before and how they fixed it, or if any one has any ideas on what could be the problem.

I have had shin splints 2ce and they both went away immediately I changed my trainers. But do not go to the sports shops and buy fashionable nike Airs. They are more for looks than serious training.

When I 1st took up running, I ran minimum 2 miles daily. I noticed when I was 13st 7lbs if I ran above 10km per hr I got shin splints and ankle pains. Unknown to me, the problem was I was running in Nike airs and reebok classics

I went to a specialist running shop, where they watched/filmed me run and then recommend trainers to suit my natural running style and the arch of my feet. they also always recommend changing them after 600 miles.

So go on google and look for a specialist running shop, not your local footlocker

[Orecle]

ps Post your problem on a running/jogging forum as they would have alot more experience than some physios. See if you can find a physio that speacialises in running injuries. I have met a lot of generalising useless physios in my time. The problem with some physios is the same with some doctors. When they have not experienced something, they tend to give textbook ansswers and therapies and send you on a wild and expensive goose chase.