Really Bummed :(

lmalear01

I love the spring because it always signals time to get back into running hard core.  I can't stand the treadmill probably related to some kind of ADHD or something. I just can't stand to run on treadmill longer than 30 min.  So during the winter I do a lot of spinning, the cybex cross trainer, and the step mill for cardio and then when spring comes... I get back into running.  I singed up for a bunch of races this summer with the first being a half marathon on June 5th.  I have a HORRIBLE shin splint in my R shin.  I am icing...using motrin and resting when I can...but my job requires me litereally to walk and be on my feet for 10 hours straight and I think its really hindering it from getting better.  By the time I get off work in the am it hurts so bad I can barely walk to my car.  I have had this before in the L shin.  THIS SUCKS!!  With my decrease in exercise I am watching my calories more closely and I am biking somedays...so I am hoping to not gain weight.  Last years injury cost me about 20 pounds.  Any runners have any good shin splint fixes???? 

raynes

New shoes?  If your current ones have a lot of miles/wear on them they might be contributing to the shin splints.

I'm sorry, that sucks.  Other than shoes maybe compression sleeves? 

holi108

I agree with PP. Running shoes usually have about 500 miles on them. However it depends on the way you run. I get about 350-400 before its time to replace.
 You've probably over trained as well with out allowing you body/ legs to get back into running shape outside. There really isn't a shin splint fix except for icing and time. Make sure you stretch. After a week I would probably go to the doc. and make sure that you don't have a stress fracture since you are also on your feet all day.

kristinanddan

I wonder if k-tape would help

amyderrah

Is there any way for you to take up swimming this summer?  At a gym or beach maybe?  It seems that swimming is a great way to exercise but not stress joints and muscles too much.  It might give you the time you need to heal.  Biking might work better for you than it does me but I find it takes a long time to burn as many cals as other exercises.  Good luck!

lmalear01

Thanks ladies.  My shoes are good.  I get new shoes every 3-4 months depending on how much I am running.  I am sure it was too quick of an increase in mileage.  I just get a little too ambitious some times!!  I know that what I really need is time and rest....so I guess the bike will be getting a lot of use this spring...which is fine because I love mountain biking. I actually kill more calories in a mountain biking session than I do in some of my long runs because the intensity is mcuh higher.  Thanks agian for the comments and suggestions.  I guess I just needed to vent my frustration more than anything:)

iloveu4ever

I can't run. I have bad knees So I walk

reneeb0618

In dance classes we work out shin problems like this:

Laying on your back... and take your right leg up in the air (hook your arm under it to help hold it up). Let the blood drain out, and doing 2-3 mintues of rolling your ankles, pointing and flexing your feet, and "scrunching" your  toes.

It can be painful, but it is supposed to really help. Good luck!

mmccloskey23

Do you wear insoles in your shoes?  When I started running I had a lot of issues with my legs and insoles really seem to help.  I use the Berry Superfeet (I've heard good things about the Green Superfeet too, but I don't use them).

For an exercise to help the shin splints, try walking around on your heels with your toes pointed up in the air.  It definitely hurts, but it really helps and it also strengthens the shin muscles. 

I would definitely try to keep doing some type of exercise so you can still do your 1/2 on June 5th!  Swimming and biking are good low-impact alternatives to running. 

I'm running a 10k on 6/5... I'm excited to see another person signed up for a race on that day!

Good luck at your race!  Hope your injury heals quickly!

kayladee87

When I was in high school, I had insoles specifically made for my feet which helped with support and in turn helped with shin splint pain.  I think these helped a lot, but I'm guessing they'd be somewhat expensive (I don't remember what they cost at the time).

I've also head this from a friend and read it online: during your stretches, stand and put all your weight on your heels. While doing this, walk in place (hopefully this makes sense).  I think this is suppose to strenghten the front part of your legs.  

Be careful though because what I thought were shin splints in high school turned out to be stress fractures, and that was just awful  

gingerchix1980

Do some pool running. I've never had an injury that kept me from running, but the guys I work with have and they all swear by pool running to keep the cardio up and the muscles active.
Good luck and I hope it gets better soon.

Frogger5

Don't have any recs for shortening healing time, but the trainer running the boot camp-style class I just started recommended shortening my stride length a little bit and focusing on putting the weight down on my heels to prevent shin splints. Less bounce and more smoothness in the run.