Pine Belt Pacers Forum

I would really appreciate some input here from many of you with knowledge and/or experience with treating and healing a shin splint. I have never had any trouble with this, even when I first started running; however, over the past few months I've noticed a pain that covers about a 6 inch area of the inside mid tibia area of my right leg. I did not think this was a shin splint as I've always understood that happens on the front part of the lower leg. Since I am fortunate to have it available to me at my workplace, I took advantage of a few xrays and MRIs and even consulted the Radiologist who confirmed and diagnosed a very severe shin splint on my RIGHT LOWER Leg. So here is a couple questions I have:

1 - Treatments that work?

2 - Shoes? Whenever I began running, I did the test at Soccer Loccer and it was determined that I have a neutral stride. I've pretty much stuck with the same shoe since. Is it possible for that stride to change?

3 - Is there another place (or even test) besides Soccer Loccer that any of you would recommend I do to determine what shoe will help correct and/or prevent this in the future?

Thanks in advance. I would really appreciate all comments and advice here!

Have a Healthy Day,
Christy Turner

A lot of this you already know. Ice, rest, and some anti-inflammatories meds. What kind of surfaces do you run on? Always on concrete? How old are your shoes? Have you actively changed your stride or do you have any other injury that may be changing your gait pattern? I know you cross train, so that is good!! Have you increased your mileage too fast? Have you ever had this problem before? Weight gain or loss? The main thing you need to do right now, is what you already know, stop running till you can run without pain. Ugh, hate to say that, cuz I am the worst!! I always push too soon. However, really, it will just set you back. There is a lot of info on line, but I am sure you have probably already googled. Take a break from the activity, do lots of cross training, and remember, "you will be back"!

1. Ice massage - fill a paper cup with water and freeze it. Then peel off the upper part of the cup so that you can massage the area.

2. Heel walking - just what it implies. You walk around on your heels, trying to flex the foot as much as possible. Do this throughout the day. Toe raisers will also help.

3. ABCs - While seated in chair, on bed or floor, drape the injured leg (probably shoud repeat on other leg) across the other leg and trace the alphabet with your toes. Once, when I was telling this to a group of Junior High kids, one of them asked me if it should be cursive or block. Either will work.

4. Anti-inflammatory meds

5. New shoes - something with a degree of flexibility and probably with a semi-curve last will help. In other words, compare shoes by bending them. You do not want one that has no flexibility.

6. Soft surface running will help. Get on grass, dirt or treadmill.

7. Slow down and avoid races or speed work until no pain.

8. X-ray again in a couple of weeks to see if you have a stress fracture (I"m sure you've already considered that).

another tip, and you might already to this, change your shoes after 300-500 miles. that's when i typically get shin splints. it might be that your shoes are ok for your feet, just have lost their edge.

good luck!

Much thanks to all of you for offering your ideas and advice here. As most all runners, I HATE being down!

Audrey, you are right, not what I wanted to hear. Really wanted to do the Zack Little 5K this Saturday but know I need to rest the leg.

Becky, much thanks for the details of things to do. I will for sure try many, if not, all of them.

Dawn, you are also right, and my shoes actually are very new which is why Im just thinking I need a totally different style. The shoe I am running in is the same style I've been running in from the beginning but never had any problems. Not sure what has changed, but something has.


Have a wonderful day,
Christy