Sore Shins

PDD

Hi Folks,

I was just wondering if anyone could help me with a little issue. When I walk at a fast pace the muscles around my shins get very sore. I presume that this is more to do with the way I am walking or the and that it is not shin splints?

Dave

yomchi

Hi there,

it may very well be shin splints, as the term givin to sore muscles around the shin bone. From my experience it may be caused from a new exercise routine, bad alignement between the shin and ankle, and DOMS.

For more info see here -> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shin_splints

Chunks

Hi,

I always find when I get splints like that is to put a 'comfortable to tight' strip of tape around the bottom of the shin (about an inch above the ankle disc) and another at the top (about an inch below the kneecap). This takes a lot of the pressure off the muscles until they're better able to cope. Don't do it for a long time though or they'll become dependant on the strapping.

If you're not familiar with the strapping tape i'm talking about it's a rigid tape i.e; it has no elasticity. It's about an inch in width and is able to be torn by hand. You can usually find it in any chemist if you describe it to them.

I usually get splints if the training surface i'm using changes in hardness etc... or i've been away from training for a while. They usually clear up within a few weeks once you adjust.

Hope this helps.

Lafortezza

I've had this problem before after maybe 5 minutes of brisk walking, and it was down to my footwear.

Badly fitting shoes was the problem, so either tighten your laces or invest in better shoes/runners when walking.

PDD

Cheers for the feedback folks :-)

slicus ricus

PDD wrote:

Hi Folks,

I was just wondering if anyone could help me with a little issue. When I walk at a fast pace the muscles around my shins get very sore. I presume that this is more to do with the way I am walking or the and that it is not shin splints?

Dave

I used to get the exact same thing, particularly if i was in a rush and walking fast. I later found out that i was very flat footed. I also used to get frequent knee injuries playing sports as well as some mild lower back pain when standing for long periods of time - if you get those things as well as the shin problem, you're probably flatfooted.

I got orthotics made to help, which have helped a great deal. I never get the shin pain anymore and rarely get the lower back pain. The knees are still a bit dodgy when playing football tho, probably due to past damage!

someothername

slicus ricus wrote:

I used to get the exact same thing, particularly if i was in a rush and walking fast. I later found out that i was very flat footed. I also used to get frequent knee injuries playing sports as well as some mild lower back pain when standing for long periods of time - if you get those things as well as the shin problem, you're probably flatfooted.

I got orthotics made to help, which have helped a great deal. I never get the shin pain anymore and rarely get the lower back pain. The knees are still a bit dodgy when playing football tho, probably due to past damage!

agreed .
orthotics are the way to go , since i got them i havent had any probs with my shins at all. what u need to do is invest in a good pair of runners for the gym and put ur orthotics in them ( no point putting them into your old runners as these are already worn out more on one side)
you can get cheap versions in the chemist for about €25 but i found the only way to go was by getting them custom made - any decent physio should be able to get these done for you.