my shins hurt :-(

[Chris911]

hi, i recently brought this book called SAS fitness and the exercises in it requires me to run for quite i while. i havent been running for ages and when i started again my shins started to hurt. can anyone tell me why this happens and how to stop it please? thanx

[Wee Willy Winkie]

i guess if you havent been running for a while then it will take its toll on your body so my view is to just gently build up running distances and dont work too hard AND KEEP AT IT!!! Andy

[CrouchmasterT]

You've most probably got shin splints, use the search button theres loads of info about them on this site.

try searching google as well, theres tons of info about them there aswell.

[Fow22]

http://www.pponline.co.uk/encyc/0161.htm
Check out this site. I got shin splints about a year ago, and have since done all of the "Prevention" exercises every night before bed and I am impressed with the results. As far as treatment goes, STOP running immediately and start swimming or going on the exercise bike. After about 3 weeks start back with 1-2 mile slow paced runs on grass or a rubber track and progress from there. If you don't take it slow you'll have stress fractures and be out for a lot longer than 3 weeks. Stretching is also a must. Cheers, Kyle.

[Benw]

you should go and see a sports physio as well. They will be able to show you a good massage that helps a hell of a lot.

[Chris911]

awww wow, thanx for the info guys. i thought i just needed to run more, but you all saved me. thanx

[42]

its worth getting thw right trainers.go to a running shop where they`ll look at the way you run.they have a pad wired up to a pc and this will tell you what type of support you need when running.most people dont bother but if you can go somewhere where its free its worth it.also alternate between road running and treadmills as these are lower impact. but dont under estimate the importance of road running

[William]

See your doctor ASAP,insist on x-rays and go from there.Trust me...

[Booker]

From recent experience not only is road running important, but running over 'real' terrain. I have been able to run 30km+ on treadmill and generally flat ground (tracks and fields). However, i recently ran from my town (Colchester) to a nearby town (Brightlingsea). While this is only 15km it was a real eye opener. On the way was a lot of rough ground and two enourmous hills (and slopes). The day after that run i was really hurting (and for the following 3-4 days), after a run that was half the distance i was used to. My advice is, if you can find a friend to go with you run to nearby towns. While it may seem pointless, the strain on your muscles is completely different. Not only that but you get a sense of achivement after you reach the town. Oh and the pub at the end of the run helps motivate you too, there is nothing better than a cold beer after a long run. (Health Warning: Make sure you take in large amounts of water before you start drinking or it can get really nasty.)

More relevant to your initial post, i had very much the same trouble when i first started running properly again. Just take it easy to start with and let the muscles recover fully after each run, you will be surprised how fast your body adapts to running more often.

-PBooker

P.S. Anyone want to run to Harwich with me? The friend that came to Brightlingsea with me claims he will never run again..... :(

[Chris911]

in Somerset (dont make fun of the axent, please. and no i dont sound like a farmer ) the country side is so good. its basicly where i go running all the time. i brought this MP3 player and i found it help me run for so much longer. but when i stop the music i can hear myself breathing like a tired out dog and i suddenly feel so weak! i really got to stop using it. but anyway, yea, i do run alot on the roads and across fields. just i dont have a tread-mill. is it a big problem if i dont go running on one?

[JC]

Again, haven't read other replies. GET A NEW PAIR OF SHOES, EVEN IF YOU CONSIDER THEM TO BE SPACE SHOES!.... fixed my shin problems out good'an'proppa!

Seriously, fork out some cash and rethink your trainers! Theres a place called Alexandra Sports in portsmouth that fits your shoes perfectly and assesses your problems too. Oh you live in somerset

[Stu-]

went for a run today, did about 1.4 miles and the muscles around my shins at the front of my shin really hurt like hell

I dont get this on grass when I'm playing footy, only on harder ground like concrete

is this shin splints or just my legs filling with lactic acid because they arent used to this kind of running

[Chris911]

look on the link thats in one of the first convo boxes. it should tell you on there how to stop the pain.

[JC]

No.... the problem is your trainers....... Listen dude.

[Guest]

Hi Chris,

My shins have recently been hurting, but I always thought it was down just starting out training. Lucky I came across this thread, as I was about to up my training

I wish I did PT programme when I was in school, would've helped a lot

Regards
James