Shin Splints?

Are you wearing good shoes? With impact absorbing soles, arch support, and preferably additional inner soles too?

I had shin splints for AGES in my teenage years. I think they were caused by a particular pair of school shoes that I pounded to and from school in (nearly 2 miles each way). They took ages to recover, largely (I think) because they never healed properly in the school holidays, and then I made them worse again every term.

Of course, that is decades ago, and there may be some wonder cure/treatment now available - in which case, I will be very interested

I did google this:
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/shin-splints/Pages/Introduction.aspx

Shin splints are horrible.

I got them pretty bad after a month of running on the open deck of an oil tanker after my shifts. I put them down to the hard surface as the symptoms quickly subsided when I started to use the treadmill instead.

@Brunneria is right about the good footwear as well. It's so important that regular runners can change their trainers 3-4 times per year.

If you've not got decent shoes then that would be a good place to start, along with changing your route to one comprises of mainly soft surfaces such as woodland paths and/or grass.

Try swimming a few times a week, so you have a few fewer days walking.

Goonergal said:

Hi @Brunneria and @GrantGam thanks for replying.

I am wearing good shoes - Skechers Go Walk - so don't think it's that.

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Looking at reviews of the Skechers Go Walk, it looks as there are some limitations such as lack of arch support and that the soles wear down quickly.
Despite their price, not everyone agrees they are good for regular walking: trainers may be better.

I find that Sketchers are good because the bed it soft and absorbs impact.
But they don't have enough support for my arches and ankles. For me,once I got shoes that came up higher on my feet and that I could tie up tight, it helped.

If you get shin splints from only walking then you have some significant biomechanical issues. You need to address that before finding shoes to suit you.
Without knowing how shoes could affect the forces on your bones during walking you are just as likely to make it worse, and even more so during running.
Ideally you would find a biomechanical expert who analyses your walking (probably on a treadmill). Maybe a podiatrist with exercise and physiology credentials. Most good running coaches have an eye for the obvious, which could be a start.
The excess loads which contribute to pain in your shins could come from a number of possible causes. Turned in hips; torsional twist in lower limbs ... We're guessing until there is accurate analysis of your particular gait.
Shoes with excess cushioning, heel flare, little flex in the midsole, big heel toe drop ... can contibute to distorted biomechanics. Avoid buying them based on reviews alone. Buy them to suit your needs so you have to work out your beeds not guess them or ignore it them.
That step will save you $$$$ in the "long run" and support your development into higher load bearing running.



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Goonergal said:

Hi

Anyone got any advice about shin splints? At least I think that's what it is - pain in my right shin when walking.

I've been stepping up my walking - distance and speed - and noticed some pain a few times so slowed down while walking and that seemed to do the trick but the past couple of days I've really been struggling with it. So don't want to have to stop as I've made such good progress with the walking and have started to really enjoy it.

All advice appreciated.

Thanks.

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My wife studied shin splints for her dissertation for her sports massage qualification. It was a good choice as I suffered massively with this.

Arnica cream - dealt with swelling (non prescription)
Massage but gentle at first otherwise you can make it worse.
Good footwear - always. I don't even go barefoot around the pool on holiday - I have orthotic supports. I feel pain after 10 steps without them.
Good support/shock absorbtion in the shoes.
Walking - I've walked the Loch Ness Marathon - I came last but I did it. The training was intense. The warm up is CRUCIAL. I purposely walk very slowly for the first 20-30 minutes (window shopping speed) before picking up the pace.

Ice will also work - to alleviate the swelling.

I lived with this for years - but it can be dealt with. It takes time and patience and a lot of massage and stretching.

Good luck.
Sean

As others have said A good pair of shoes. I would suggest that you go to a Sports store that have a gait analysis machine & they will be able to advise the best shoes for you.
I suffered from shin sprints after I started running Got this test done & A decent pair of trainers & have not suffered since. Remember that it is recommended that you replace your shoes after aprox 3 to 500 miles.
Shin splints are often brought about by not landing the foot correctly & having the correct footwear will certainly help to alleviate the problem

As others have said A good pair of shoes. I would suggest that you go to a Sports store that have a gait analysis machine & they will be able to advise the best shoes for you.
I suffered from shin sprints after I started running Got this test done & A decent pair of trainers & have not suffered since. Remember that it is recommended that you replace your shoes after aprox 3 to 500 miles.
Shin splints are often brought about by not landing the foot correctly & having the correct footwear will certainly help to alleviate the problem