Shin Splints?

[DeeDee]

Ok Peeps - I'm having pain in my shins when running/exercising, which is turning to pain when climbing stairs. Definitely NOT something I am enjoying.:swn:

Any suggestions on what I should do to alleviate this problem? C'mon we're a community of Corpsman - I expect LOTS of suggestions/comments from you
:not:
Thanks
DeeDee

[olddoc1]

Donot run in cheap shoes. Have a professional help you fit and choose running shoes. Do you have to wear combat boots to do this job?

[DeeDee]

well - you know old habits do die hard - and i so prefer my combat boots

HA HA

maybe it is my old sneakers - obviously new sneakers will help but what can I do about the pain? Once I get new shoes will it help with the pain?
Thanks olddoc1 for the input - heading to the gym again tonite

DeeDee

[mestup3117]

I suffer from shin splints as well. Mine are so bad, I have to go to physical therapy 3 times a week.
Shoes are very important. If possible, go to a place that has people who can take a look at your walk. Out here in Hawaii, it's called Just for Feet. I don't know if they have one where you're located. They'll check your arches and see if you roll your foot when you walk. Based on that, they'll suggest a few shoes for you to try.
Stretching is vital. Stretch both your gastroc and soleus muscle before and after exercise for at least a minute. I do a minute and a half just to be safe.
Ice for 20 minutes after exercise if you're feeling pain.
Rest. Try and alternate cardio exercises throughout the week. For example, I do cardio 3 times a week. One day I run, the next I do the elliptical and then the last day I ride the bike. Swimming is also an option.
My physical therapy also consists of getting hooked up to a ultrasound machine to help stimulate muscle healing.
Taking Aleve will help alleviate the pain.
If they're still bothering you after all of that, you might want to get checked out for stress fractures.

[DeeDee]

Got smart tonite - used the arc-trainer = NO IMPACT = NO PAINgoing to see about getting actually fitted for athletic shoes this weekend but I REFUSE to wear ORTHOPEDIC shoes :)

[SubDoc]

another thing you need to do is make sure you warm up your calves/shins prior to running.

standing heel lifts and toe taps.....

sounds silly, but they really work....

also, extend your toes as far as you can and flex them as far as you can (stretching)

[old navy]

Along with the previous recommendations you might try 15 minutes of ice followed by 15 minutes of moist heat. An easy ice pack is a bag of veggies from the freezer and the heat can come from a hot wet towel or treat yourself to a warm bath after the ice application. This treatment breaks up the inflammation process better than ice or heat alone.

[tngnome]

Put your toes under your couch and try to lift it (keeping your heal on the ground). Hold it for 3 seconds and relax. Do 15 reps for each foot. The beauty of this exercise is that you can do them almost anywhere. Have fun!

[DeeDee]

that would work if my couch had legs :) it sits directly on the floor so that my ferrets can't get under it if and when they get loose :D

Thanks for the suggestions EVERYONE - they are appreciated
DeeDee

[Da-Chief]

A sure fire way to make your shin splint pain go away..

1. Obtain Hammer..
2. give to Hubby..
3. Have him whack your big thumb on your Right hand..
4. you are no longer thinking about your shin splints...

:err:

Chief is running away..

[DeeDee]

Why does that suggestion NOT surprise me one little bit????

HMMMMM

<Calls Chiefs house and leaves message for Karen> Just wait til you get home :D

Happy Retirement Chief - ENJOY