How to stop or get rid of shin splints?

Question

I have tried different shoes and insols...I have taped my shins...I have used those tight shin socks...I have used ice...I have ran outside, on grass, on a track outside and inside, and on a tread mill...Nothing works...I run a few blocks and have trouble walking back home because they hurt and they are sore for days after.

Answer 1

Wait. Time has to heal them. But, yeah, when you run u need to try to focus  on heal to toe motions to cushion the impact. Then you'll build the muscles you need to run without getting shin splints.

Answer 2

walk on your heels with your toes up for ~ 20 steps. Do it several times per day to help eliviate the pain.

Answer 3

I agree with Greg

Answer 4

In most cases, shin splints are very preventable.  If you run up on your toes or run with too much heel strike, you will put tremendous stress on the shins. Instead of using the back of your legs as shock absorbers (picture glutes, hamstrings, calves -- all muscles!), you are hitting too far in front of your body which then uses the front of the legs (shins and knees take the brunt).

Try to run on the balls of the feet with the ankle at a 90 degree angle (i.e. dorsiflexed).  Keep a straight line from your leg to your head.  Some people bend at the waist either due to weaker abdominal muscles or because they are trying to lean forward.  I have found that with most people that I trained that by changing their form, they have not only lessened their shin splints, knee pain but they are running faster, going longer distances, and spending less money on expensive shoes that are trying to correct for their inefficient movements.

Good Luck!