How much do old shoes contribute to shin splints?

Question

I have a pair of Saucony XT600 running shoes that have been used frequently for over 1 1/2 years. I have been running since high school (in my early 20's now) and have never had a problem with shin splints.

I can pretty much all of 2007, and never had any problems. Then, for the first 5 months of 2008, I stopped running. For the past 1 1/2 months, I've been running again, and my shins are killing me.

Would a worn-out pair of shoes make that much of a difference?

Or is it just because I haven't been running for a while?

Answer 1

Certainly, both situations can contribute to shin problems; but I don't think either are the primary reasons.

I am always surprised when people still suffer with shin splints and don't seem to know either the cause nor the cure.  Shin splints are caused by muscle imbalance. The front muscles are weak and the calves are strong.

The way to correct Shin splints is to strengthen the muscles at the front of the legs. Lie face down in bed with your toes hanging over the edge. Pull your toes upward against the resistance of the mattress. Try to work up to 3 or 4 sets of 5 – 10 reps each.

There are other variations of this, such as heel walking, hanging a paint can on your toes, or using the angle iron on bleachers to slip your toes under.

Good Luck  

Answer 2

How are your arches? If you are flat-footed that can definitely cause shinsplints, and if that is the case you may need special insoles. Even buying really good shoes may make it worse.

Or, you might just need to carefully tone up those shins. Ask your doctor about the special excercises and treatment for sore shins and get your feet checked.  Hope the shin-splints don't last.

Answer 3

Possibly a bit of both that is giving you shin splints but, deffinatly if you are running in shoes fairly regularly (which it sounds like you were) you should be buying new shoes every 3-6 months. THis is because the sole of your shoe will get compressed with wear, making it not assorb the shock as well that you get when running. The shock then travels into you anckels shins and esspecially knees causing pain and possibly injury. I had the very same problem this spring :)

Answer 4

Both. If your shoes are worn out, then they will promote shin splints, but if you haven't run in a while that will definitely cause shin splints.