Best way to help Shin splint heal fast?

Question

I started running/jogging recently and I guess I over did it.

Anyways. The pain has been noticeable lessoning everyday...just like any type of excercise I have done, the muscles get sore and in a day or two the pain is gone.

I did my jog/walk on Sunday Evening. Monday my legs were sore and my shins ACHED! Yesterday the pain in my leg muscles were gone except for this horrible shin pain. Today the shin pain is much less but is still there. I looked it up and it seems like it may be "Shin Splint". The pain is there only when I walk quickly....or flex my foot completely back or forward. (Toes pointing to the floor or towards my shin)

I have never had this issue before and I'm contributing it to me just pushing myself wayyyyy too hard.

I've tried gently stretching my legs and trying not to walk fast/run. Is there anything else I can do? I have a Martial Arts class on Friday evening and I'm hoping the pain will be gone by then.

Thanks!

Answer 1

You really just need to rest to give it time to heal, and ice your shins. It may also be from your shoes, if they don't have good enough support, my shoes gave me my shin splints. You should also not run on the concrete, you should run on a trail or grass, or pavement if you have to, just not concrete, because that is the hardest. good luck.

Answer 2

Sorry to the person that answered the first response but you don't ice your shins. sometimes i try to work through the pain but don't do that either you could really hurt yourself. I suggest if you are running and it starts to hurt stop and walk for a while (not if in the middle of a race) if it doesn't stop go home take a pain reliever and when you wake up the next morning they will definitely be gone if not an hour or two after you take the pain reliever! Believe me i have been running for many years and had this happen many, many times!

Answer 3

This really has to due alot with poor skill and form which is common with runners that don't have much practice or are new to running.  The damage may very well be bone tissue on the outer area of your shin bones.  It might not actually be muscle damage. Your going to need to rest it a bit and work on developing good running form. You should read this source article.

Answer 4

You've really just have to take it easy for a while until your shins stop hurting as well as icing and stretching them. Also a friend told me that when you're not running you can tape the area of your shin that hurts (so just wrap it around your leg) since shin splits are basically when the muscle rips from the bone the tape keeps it in place. Sorry that sounds a bit gruesome, but it's not as bad as it sounds Shin splints are painful, but there's not a whole lot you can really do.

Answer 5

ouch you have to be REALLY carefull i had those last year around september and i pretty much ignored it , eventually it got worse and i had to quite the XC team or the blood circulation in my leg would cut out, Anyway i suggest cut down on the running to about once or twice a week and buy a pair of special shoes (they make running shoes especially for cases like Shin splints) good luck and take it easy