Shin splints

[NewbieChris]

I really hate my body. Everytime I feel like I am making progress I take 18 steps back. The shin pains have re-surfaced but I am 35-40 lbs lighter than when I made this post. I am going to see a physical therapist on Tuesday.

[caged]

no problem

[NewbieChris]

Awesome, thanks everyone.

[Scrumhalf]

I've never bought a pair of sneakers custom made for my feet. Where does one go for something like this?

Look for an athletic shoe shop that specializes in running shoes, i.e. NOT Foot Locker, Sports Authority, etc. Call them up and ask them if they can do an analysis of your foot strike and recommend a good shoe for you. Be prepared to spend some money - probably at least a hundred bucks.

And we are not talking about custom made sneakers, lol... that's for Olympic competitors who are sponsored by the shoe companies. The shoe shop will analyze whether you are a heel striker, whether you pronate or supinate, etc., what your arches are like, etc. and recommend the right kind of shoe that will stabilize your foot and reduce the jarring that eventually affect your bones and joints.

And yes, as redback indicates, if you can, avoid running on pavement. If you have a high school football or soccer field or park, maybe you can see if you can run on grass. There's a good reason why pro athletes hate playing on astroturf vs. real grass.

[redback]

Its from running on hard surfaces, run on grass.

[Kiev]

I use running as a fight or flight idea. our body has adrenaline and most fights last a max of ten mins. I used to run alot but was a good competitor ( 5k- 15.21mins) my best time.

I would say stop running. the impact isn't worth it. I still have interesting knee pains that come and go. Long distance running in my opion is not what the body is designed for but it addapts. The body isn't designed for alot of things but it does it.

the prevous posts are awesome, if you continue to run take your shoues and concult real professionals. REST. Cya

[NewbieChris]

I've never bought a pair of sneakers custom made for my feet. Where does one go for something like this?

[beefcake]

What Red said above!

The only thing I would add is that it is good that you stopped running on pavement because that's what's going to aggravate your shin splints. Do low impact cardio like elliptical for now.

Shin splits need to ultimately be fixed by a combination of better shoes and a better foot strike pattern. Find a running place that can do an analysis of your foot strike. Also take your old shoes to them. They should be able to figure out what it is the way your foot lands that is causing shin splits and they can recommend both the best kind of shoes for your stride as well as any adjustments to your running style that can address this long term.

This is money right here. Eventually after more running you won't get shin splints once your body gets accustomed to the work, but good shoes is what's going to help the most. Pay the money and get a good pair that's matched to your arch type and get new ones once you have a lot of mileage on them.

[mindstar]

If left untreated, they can develop into stress fractures...which totally sucks.

When I was rehabbing mine, I was tld to walk backwards on a treadmill

[Scrumhalf]

What Red said above!

The only thing I would add is that it is good that you stopped running on pavement because that's what's going to aggravate your shin splints. Do low impact cardio like elliptical for now.

Shin splits need to ultimately be fixed by a combination of better shoes and a better foot strike pattern. Find a running place that can do an analysis of your foot strike. Also take your old shoes to them. They should be able to figure out what it is the way your foot lands that is causing shin splits and they can recommend both the best kind of shoes for your stride as well as any adjustments to your running style that can address this long term.

[redsquirrel]

Do you have a recommended time period? Do you mean completely stopping all cardio / leg workouts, etc?

1- Don't stop working out, or doing cardio.

2- The pain will minimize & eventually go away.

Shin splints are caused from the pounding of your knees & shins on a hard surface. I used to suffer from them as well. I have the solution- really good running shoes. I used to run in the cool Nike Shox, etc. But they are fashion tennis shoes; they are not really supposed to be running shoes.

Once I purchased my 1st pair of Brooks tennis shoes, I never have had shin splints again.

[Bouncer]

elliptical training will not make it worse. walking around doing day to day things will be worse for shin splints then elliptical training is. do not stop cardio.

if it is worse in 2 weeks. go see the doc.

[NewbieChris]

Can the impact damage become severe?

[NewbieChris]

Rest. It is the only thing that will help shin splints.

Do you have a recommended time period? Do you mean completely stopping all cardio / leg workouts, etc?

[Mr I]

also when you restart on the treadmill, walk briskly for 30 mins each time instead of running for 3 weeks, then begin to run if thats what you want to do. Its impact induced but your legs will get used to it if you give them chance just walk for a few weeks first