I have Killer Shin Splints.?

Question

I have a heredital knee problem, and to top it off, both shins kill me. Even when i'm not running every hour or so they will send a spine curling pain up my leg and entire body!!! This kills! I can hardly even run, but i'm not telling my coach because i don't want to sound like a wus that wants to get out of workouts. what should i do? bengay? Ice? take a break this weekend..?

I am no track star, but i'm a cross country star. I don't want to ruin my ability as a freshman.

Answer 1

This is a problem and you should tell someone. I have shin splints to and my coach tells me to ice my legs after practice and stretch it out.I'm really not an expert on shin splints.

Hope I could be of some assistance.

Answer 2

-Ice

-Stretch before and after every workout

-Use a rolling pin on any sore leg muscles - this acts like a lower body massage and greatly reduces soreness (even in the knees).

-Secret Weapon vs. Shin Splints - Add 4-6 50 meter backward runs to your warmup routine.  I have my CC runners do this and we rarely have anyone with shin splints (2 in 11 years of coaching).

-If none of this works quickly, you may have to take some time off and depending on the pain, you may need to see a doctor to make sure it isn't a stress fracture.  Only you know how your body feels and if it is too much to bear, then you have to tell your coach.  

Good luck!

Answer 3

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 4

R.I.C.E   (Rest Ice Compression Elevation)

Along with this you should get new shoes that support your ankle.

Tell your coach he can offer helpful advice and knows more then you do. You won't end up looking like a wuss, I know because i had to tell him the exact same thing.

Answer 5

Shin splints are pretty severe and I would recommend seeing a doctor.  Running through them is not good.