Stress fracture or Shin Splints ??

[Mr Mojo Risin]

Just booked my PJFT after 2 weeks of non training due to a knee injury and what i thought was shin splints, knee now fine, however inside right lower leg bone REAL tender now after a real, real, real short run (1st since doc advised the two weeks off). I dont really want to call the Doc cos then it means i will have to call the afco again and say i have got an injury (again) so here is my question - does anyone know of a definative test to see wether it is a stress fracture (i have had the pain for almost a month now) or hopefully just shin splints ? I have checked sportsinjuryclinic.com but it didnt say anything

Really need to get this sorted soon as i feel as if im going backwards at the moment.

[robj]

I think one of the tests is to hit the lower end of your shin with an object, such as a TV remote control, and if you feel the pain shoot up your leg to your knee then you have got a fracture. Im not 100% sure on that but I think that is what my physio told me.

I was in the same boat as you. Thought I just had a small case of shin splints so had a few weeks off. Went running and it hurt again so I had a month off and the pain came back after a week of running. Now im having to take 2months off and do nothing but swimming! I probably dont need to have a full 8 weeks to make a full recovery but ive decided that im still young and want to make sure this problem doesnt come back again!

[Jordiman]

http://www.sportsinjurybulletin.com/arc ... atment.htm

Try this site its got some good exercises for the muscle attached to the tibia "shin splint bone" .

[Mr Mojo Risin]

Cheers guys - that link was interesting, gonna put the excersises into my regieme !

[El Prez]

I think one of the tests is to hit the lower end of your shin with an object, such as a TV remote control, and if you feel the pain shoot up your leg to your knee then you have got a fracture. Im not 100% sure on that but I think that is what my physio told me.

Whatever happens, NEVER let this man be a medic!

[robj]

and there was me thinking I would make a good doctor

[RobInDaUK]

Hmm, as long as you're not my GP...

[snellinguk]

Sometimes you may think its shin splints but it is most prob because you have started to train hard and your leg is not ready if you feel around were the problem is it will be musle that is tender more then the bone just run it out it works for me also get some sorbthains they can take away 94% of shock when road running!!

[Mr Mojo Risin]

Wassa sorbathain when its at home ?? Ive tried taping and basic fabric calf and muscle support things but they dont really work for me
Willing to try anything though

[El Prez]

MJR, Sorbothane are inserts/liners for your boots, like odour eaters, but very effective at reducing the shock which occurs when running etc. The full foot inner costa about £15 per pair but is worth it. The good news is they can be used in your trainers or boots, and even taken to CTC to be placed in your boots while doing the PRMC, then take them home again!
Go to a good outdoor specialist, they will invariably stock them.

[Jordiman]

Ive just ordered a pair of the Full shock ones for £16.49 inc P&P they look pretty good also being expensive hope they are as good as they claim.

[Mr Mojo Risin]

Cool - just bought some Newbalance running shoes - real supportive, ill pop back and see if they stock those insole things on pay day !

[mercury]

Mr Mojo , which New balance running shoes did you get ?

If they have been properly fitted then there will be no need for Sorbothane these would only make the shoe too small and effect your running poise.

Shinsplints are a pain in the leg and someting I suffer from every time I have taken a week out from running. Remember "R.I.C.E"

Rest
Ice
Compression
Elevation

Remember to get a training plan and stick to it, dont do too much at once

I still use Sorbo's myself , the full strike ones , in my issue boots

Good luck

[Mr Mojo Risin]

*taking shoes off*

think they are the 717s' - thats the only name/tag i can see on them anyways

Ive got a regieme, but its all road (till recently) based cos i work f/t and there is nowhere suitable grassy to run (especially since its dark when i can run), i guess thats why ive got the shin splints cos apparently road running is not too good for the legs. Joined a cheap gym tho last week - no contract which is hard to find nowadays..

Day 1 : 2 mile run, sprints, push up, dips and sit up circuit (plus i do random pushups through the day when i walk past my bed room)
Day 2 : off
Day 3 : 3 mile run, cycle machine 10 mins, row 2000 meters, pushups, pullups, s-up circuit
Day 4 : off
Day 5 : same as day 3
Day 6 : off
Day 7 : 4 mile run.

Add .5 mile to run each week.
The upper body stuff im weak on at the moment, but am trying to add 5 reps to the circuit each week. See how it goes innit.

[mercury]

After a while you can increase the mileage and X train on your off days
As it get harder I suggest dropping the circuits from the run days

After a run your muscles need to relax !!

I always run on road these days , its that or ploughed field up here !

Shin splints wont kill you but they are a b!tch

Dont be afraid to take one complete rest day