Shin Splints

Gina · #1 (**permalink**) 03-26-2003, 12:29 PM

I dont know do any of you have a problem with your shin splints while exercising...but mine like get on fire or something when i am walking real fast...it actually feels like they are popping out of my legs...its not like im not used to walking i walk everyday...do you guys think i dont drink enough water or something ...yo whats up wit my legssssssssss

MattB · #2 (**permalink**) 03-26-2003, 10:09 PM

Ice them with a coldpack..Thats about all you can do. It is also a sign of overtraining. You may need to back off a little and take a few easy days. It can also mean bad shoes....But it is more likely overtraining..Ice after every run/jog/walk and you might want to look into jump roping or something that jelps strengthen those muscles also.

Dehydration is a whole nother subject!!! I've never heard of getting shin-splints from dehydration, but I'm sure it's possible. How much water and or sports drink are you consuming??? If you aren't drinking sports drinks, I recommend you do. You need the electrolytes that are present in sports drinks that aren't in water. But don't drink it straight, dilute the sports drink. I usually use gatorade mixed half and half with water. A straight up sports drink is waaaaay to concentrated with sugar, you'll get stomach cramps.

Jon · #3 (**permalink**) 03-26-2003, 11:54 PM

Are you running on pavement? If you have a dirt path you can run on, it is much easier on your legs. Concrete just isn't that good to run on. Sometimes it is tough if you live in a city to find dirt, but it will help with the shin splints

Gina · #4 (**permalink**) 03-27-2003, 06:56 AM

Ive been running on concrete....i seriously can not take the burning in my shins its like torture!! i stretch my legs like crazy nothing freaking helps...ill try the cold packs! The price you pay to lookgood at the beach lol

Jon · #5 (**permalink**) 03-28-2003, 12:19 AM

Running on concrete will cause shin splints. It is tough on your knees also. The ice packs are good advice, also try wrapping your shins with a bandage, because pressure will also help the muscles.

Shin splints are caused by your feet pounding on a hard surface. You might be able to avoid it by getting better running shoes, or insoles to cushion your feet.

Just make sure you let your legs heal before hitting the pavement again. It can cause permanent damage to the muscles if you let it go.

Gina · #6 (**permalink**) 03-28-2003, 07:13 AM

It can cause damage ...great...i swear i cant win lol

Gina · #7 (**permalink**) 03-28-2003, 07:15 AM

i took two days off just did abdominal....tonite im going to walk i think! but i just cant help myself i like to run...it makes me feel energized for some reason...I was always a runner...playing soccer and stuff...i cant wait till i really get back into the nack of things...

MattB · #8 (**permalink**) 03-28-2003, 08:07 PM

Has icing helped at all?

Harold · #9 (**permalink**) 03-28-2003, 08:23 PM

Stay off of the concrete and give them some rest. Then after they heal get on a dirt track and start out with short distances and work up slowly.

Gina · #10 (**permalink**) 03-29-2003, 03:12 PM

I havent tried the icing i just took a couple of days off...its feeling much better now!! unitl i start again tomorrow

Jon · #11 (**permalink**) 04-03-2003, 12:23 AM

If you do have to run on the pavement, try wrapping your legs in bandages while you run. It might help some. And look in to better running shoes. New Balance makes some good shoes, and is one of the few that has different widths available for your size.

Gina · #12 (**permalink**) 04-03-2003, 09:23 PM

yea im looking into new balance sneaks...im going shopping this weekend lol...like i need an excuse