Shin Splints

MattWCZY · 02-26-2013, 11:23 AM

I've tried on five separate occasions over the past year to complete the C25K program, and run a 5K for the first time in my life. Unfortunately, the same thing seems to happen each time...I get to week three and end up getting shin splints, and eventually stop running because it gets difficult to function without the use of pain relievers. I've rested for a week now, and my leg feels pretty good, so I'm debating trying again. A friend of mine tried to help me with my running form, so hopefully that makes a difference, but I'm wondering if anyone here has any other advice to help me get through the program? I've tried stretching before and after runs, not stretching at all, only stretching afterward, and stretching on off days, none of it seems to help. Any advice would be great. Thank you!

canadiangirl · 02-26-2013, 11:51 AM

How fast are you running? I have heard others give advice about c25k and they say to start at a very slow pace. Basically if you can run slower then do it. Not sure if that will help. I am currently on week 3 of c25k myself

MattWCZY · 02-26-2013, 01:32 PM

I'm finding it a bit difficult to run slower than I currently am, actually. I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that I've found it more painful when the impact is slower on my messed up leg.

Yennie · 02-26-2013, 08:25 PM

Shoes & running surface.
Get fitted for proper running shoes, or, if you've already done so, make sure your current shoes don't have too many miles on them. Buying shoes off the rack, unless you really know what you're doing (most of us dont) is a recipe for injuries just like this.
Consider also changing your running surface. Try trails or a track instead of concrete or asphalt.
Also, look into getting "the stick". It's fantastic.

Skinny Train · 03-02-2013, 08:46 AM

It had a great deal to do with your shoes. Some folks are just prone to shin splints. I'm prone to IT band pain. Get a custom fit shoe. They will be more expensive, but will be worth it if you are determined to run. Also, take the time to stretch properly. I find that I have better results stretching warm muscles after a run. I do a proper walking warm up pre-run too. Ice the area of pain and get those custom shoes!!!

PassionateFire · 03-02-2013, 09:13 AM

I thought I had shin splints when starting a learn to run program, I saw a doctor who specialized in sports medicine and was diagnosed with compartment syndrome, he said I could keep running and risk a break from the pressure or have surgery to relieve the pressure, resulting in a scar from my ankle to my knee. I didn't want to run that badly.

Skinny Train · 03-02-2013, 09:59 AM

Was it Bi-lateral, PassionateFire?

PassionateFire · 03-02-2013, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skinny Train

Was it Bi-lateral, PassionateFire?

The doctor never mentioned the type, but from the description I see, it sounds like it is bi-lateral.

Skinny Train · 03-02-2013, 10:54 AM

Yikes! So glad you found out what the problem was before you suffered more damage. Do you have problems lifting weights or anything like that? Did the doc recommend any particular sort of exercises? I don't mean to be nosy, I'm trying to soak up all the info I can on orthopedic related medicine. I read that people can even have the same issue in their forearms and such.

Skinny Train · 03-02-2013, 10:55 AM

Ignore that emoticon, please. I wanted to smile, not grim like a stupid Cheshire Cat, lol!

PassionateFire · 03-02-2013, 03:06 PM

I have no problems with my arms and can speed walk quite quickly before the pain starts. I use that as a guide and slow down when it hits. He said the only 'cure' would be the surgery that no amount of stretches or exercises would help.

Puppy · 03-07-2013, 04:45 PM

My 21 year old nephew has had the surgery for compartment syndrome. It was successful and he is back playing college ball.

02-26-2013, 11:23 AM	#1
MattWCZY Junior LCF Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Mid-Michigan Posts: 36 Gallery: MattWCZY Stats: 328/317/220 WOE: Protein Power Start Date: February 8, 2013	Shin Splints I've tried on five separate occasions over the past year to complete the C25K program, and run a 5K for the first time in my life. Unfortunately, the same thing seems to happen each time...I get to week three and end up getting shin splints, and eventually stop running because it gets difficult to function without the use of pain relievers. I've rested for a week now, and my leg feels pretty good, so I'm debating trying again. A friend of mine tried to help me with my running form, so hopefully that makes a difference, but I'm wondering if anyone here has any other advice to help me get through the program? I've tried stretching before and after runs, not stretching at all, only stretching afterward, and stretching on off days, none of it seems to help. Any advice would be great. Thank you!

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02-26-2013, 11:51 AM	#2
canadiangirl Senior LCF Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Barrie, Ontario Canada Posts: 410 Gallery: canadiangirl Stats: 162/134/125 WOE: Low Carb Start Date: June 12, 2012	How fast are you running? I have heard others give advice about c25k and they say to start at a very slow pace. Basically if you can run slower then do it. Not sure if that will help. I am currently on week 3 of c25k myself

02-26-2013, 01:32 PM	#3
MattWCZY Junior LCF Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Mid-Michigan Posts: 36 Gallery: MattWCZY Stats: 328/317/220 WOE: Protein Power Start Date: February 8, 2013	I'm finding it a bit difficult to run slower than I currently am, actually. I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that I've found it more painful when the impact is slower on my messed up leg.

02-26-2013, 08:25 PM	#4
Yennie Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: PNW Posts: 1,021 Gallery: Yennie Stats: 5'2" 34yo 199/sig/130 ~*~ 5# until no longer obese WOE: A.I. 1/1-1/20; JUDDD 1/21/13, Potatoes as needed Start Date: 2013 is the year of the weight loss!	Shoes & running surface. Get fitted for proper running shoes, or, if you've already done so, make sure your current shoes don't have too many miles on them. Buying shoes off the rack, unless you really know what you're doing (most of us dont) is a recipe for injuries just like this. Consider also changing your running surface. Try trails or a track instead of concrete or asphalt. Also, look into getting "the stick". It's fantastic.

03-02-2013, 08:46 AM	#5
Skinny Train Junior LCF Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 42 Gallery: Skinny Train	It had a great deal to do with your shoes. Some folks are just prone to shin splints. I'm prone to IT band pain. Get a custom fit shoe. They will be more expensive, but will be worth it if you are determined to run. Also, take the time to stretch properly. I find that I have better results stretching warm muscles after a run. I do a proper walking warm up pre-run too. Ice the area of pain and get those custom shoes!!!

03-02-2013, 09:13 AM	#6
PassionateFire Senior LCF Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Ottawa, ON Posts: 389 Gallery: PassionateFire Stats: 228.5/192.8/150-135 WOE: Atkins Start Date: September 4, 2012	I thought I had shin splints when starting a learn to run program, I saw a doctor who specialized in sports medicine and was diagnosed with compartment syndrome, he said I could keep running and risk a break from the pressure or have surgery to relieve the pressure, resulting in a scar from my ankle to my knee. I didn't want to run that badly.

03-02-2013, 09:59 AM	#7
Skinny Train Junior LCF Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 42 Gallery: Skinny Train	Was it Bi-lateral, PassionateFire?

03-02-2013, 10:54 AM	#9
Skinny Train Junior LCF Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 42 Gallery: Skinny Train	Yikes! So glad you found out what the problem was before you suffered more damage. Do you have problems lifting weights or anything like that? Did the doc recommend any particular sort of exercises? I don't mean to be nosy, I'm trying to soak up all the info I can on orthopedic related medicine. I read that people can even have the same issue in their forearms and such.

03-02-2013, 10:55 AM	#10
Skinny Train Junior LCF Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 42 Gallery: Skinny Train	Ignore that emoticon, please. I wanted to smile, not grim like a stupid Cheshire Cat, lol!

03-02-2013, 03:06 PM	#11
PassionateFire Senior LCF Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Ottawa, ON Posts: 389 Gallery: PassionateFire Stats: 228.5/192.8/150-135 WOE: Atkins Start Date: September 4, 2012	I have no problems with my arms and can speed walk quite quickly before the pain starts. I use that as a guide and slow down when it hits. He said the only 'cure' would be the surgery that no amount of stretches or exercises would help.

03-07-2013, 04:45 PM	#12
Puppy Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 15,077 Gallery: Puppy	My 21 year old nephew has had the surgery for compartment syndrome. It was successful and he is back playing college ball.