I'm an Idiot.

Cheeky_gal

I think I mentioned a few weeks ago that my shin was giving a bit of trouble. Thought nothing of it and thought it would just go within a couple of days but it's now been 2 months and it's actually getting worse so I was hoping someone could give me some advice.

It only causes pain when I run but been the idiot that I am, I've gone for a run about 5 nights in the past 2 weeks due to the fact that I haven't had time to go to the gym, so I've been running to compensate for that. But just now I went for a 10 min run on the treadmill and I'm in absolute agony. Even when sitting I can feel the pain so my question is what do I do? What is it? My brother suggested it could be arthritis!? I really hope not cause I'm very young to be getting arthritis! Apparently though if I keep running on a sore leg all I'm doing is damaging it further and then, eventually I'll get arthritis. Any thoughts would be so appreciated. Thanks.

Alanstrainor

Go to your doctor and stop running!!!

Cheeky_gal

Alanstrainor wrote: »

Go to your doctor and stop running!!!

hmmmmm not quite what I was hoping for there Alan but thanks!

See I need to know how I can maintain fitness without damaging my leg. Also, I actually would like to go to the doctor about it but two things...

1) My parents don't believe me, unfortunate timing cuz been xmas n all they've been asking me to do work around the house but with my shin I havent been able to do much so they see it as a BS "excuse" so don't think they'd give me the money to see a doctor.

2) Wouldn't the doctor just suggest a physio?

Alanstrainor

You're probably right about the physio, but just reading your post and seeing how it's gotten worse it's probably best to get it checked out.

Alan,

Well there's my 2 cents i'm sure there'll be more posters with better advice...i tried!

Huggles

Cheeky is it just one shin or both and does it stop then come back when you run or is it constant?

Cheeky_gal

TheGooner wrote: »

Cheeky is it just one shin or both and does it stop then come back when you run or is it constant?

Well it's gone now, but was killing me (genuinely sore, almost in tears kinda thing) an hour ago. It started off with my right shin then after about 6 wks it began in my left shin also. So to answer your question it's both shins now and the pain only lasts about 2 hours after I run and begins the second I start running.

pwd

sounds like shin splints. It's fairly common.

Huggles

Cheeky_gal wrote: »

Well it's gone now, but was killing me (genuinely sore, almost in tears kinda thing) an hour ago. It started off with my right shin then after about 6 wks it began in my left shin also. So to answer your question it's both shins now and the pain only lasts about 2 hours after I run and begins the second I start running.

Yes shin splints.

You need new trainers. Do a quick search on this forum for shin splints, its been discussed before. Its largely down to your footwear, oh and make sure your warming up correctly.

Cheeky_gal

TheGooner wrote: »

Yes shin splints.

You need new trainers. Do a quick search on this forum for shin splints, its been discussed before. Its largely down to your footwear, oh and make sure your warming up correctly.

I just bought a new "good quality" pair of astex about 3 wks ago....

Huggles

Cheeky_gal wrote: »

I just bought a new "good quality" pair of astex about 3 wks ago....

Ive never heard of astex... Anyways that is the problem, and that is usually the cause....

Here i Searched for you

Mhmm...weetabix

TheGooner wrote: »

Yes shin splints.

You need new trainers. Do a quick search on this forum for shin splints, its been discussed before. Its largely down to your footwear, oh and make sure your warming up correctly.

It depends on what type of shin splints and what stage they are at. It's possible that you have stress fractures in your shin given the lenght of time and the amount of training your doing on it. Definitely go to the docs as if you do have stress fractures youll need a bone scan to diagnose as x-rays dont pick them up unless they are severe. You could also just go to the physio and get your shin strapped, it makes a false insertion on the tibialis anterior muscle which cause these problems in running and allows the muscle to relax. This will take 3-4 weeks to work but thats if theres no deep fracture, with deep fractures it'll take about 6 weeks minial stress to heal. Start swimming instead of running if you want to keep your fitness up. Dont do any impact training and you should be fine. Most running athletes get this problem at one point in there life

thirtyfoot

TheGooner wrote: »

You need new trainers. Do a quick search on this forum for shin splints, its been discussed before. Its largely down to your footwear, oh and make sure your warming up correctly.

Shocking advice without knowing all the details. Stop running and get to a physio first. They may suggest footwear etc but it maybe caused by something else. Sounds like bad shin splints so get to a professional.

Cheeky_gal

Mhmm...weetabix wrote: »

It depends on what type of shin splints and what stage they are at. It's possible that you have stress fractures in your shin given the lenght of time and the amount of training your doing on it. Definitely go to the docs as if you do have stress fractures youll need a bone scan to diagnose as x-rays dont pick them up unless they are severe. You could also just go to the physio and get your shin strapped, it makes a false insertion on the tibialis anterior muscle which cause these problems in running and allows the muscle to relax. This will take 3-4 weeks to work but thats if theres no deep fracture, with deep fractures it'll take about 6 weeks minial stress to heal. Start swimming instead of running if you want to keep your fitness up. Dont do any impact training and you should be fine. Most running athletes get this problem at one point in there life

Jeez thanks a mil. Thats all really informative. I'll definately take that advice on board and go to the physio. I just hope theres no deep fracture though.

Mhmm...weetabix

Cheeky_gal wrote: »

Jeez thanks a mil. Thats all really informative. I'll definately take that advice on board and go to the physio. I just hope theres no deep fracture though.

I wouldnt worry about it too much. Shin splints is very manageable. Defo give swimming ago, just stop with the impact excercises at the moment. Also dont listen to your bro on the arthritis thing, it's not. #1 your young so it's very unlikely youd have arthritis unless it was a hereditary thing (in the family) and #2 it would be more likely in your weight bearing joints i.e ankles knees and hips, it wouldnt be in your shin. You should try stretching out your shin lightly, this stretches the tibialis anterior muscle on the front of your shin which is causing the problems, it might hurt while your doing it BUT it will start to feel better. Basically the problem is the muscle is too tight and it starts to rip the periosteum (top layer of bone) which has alot of nerve endings (If I remember rightly)that cause microfractures and can (not always) lead to deeper fractures. As I said youll probably just need a bit of strapping and some time away from impact on the legs

Barlow07

Cheeky_gal wrote: »

Any thoughts would be so appreciated. Thanks.

I think your Title says it all really, your and idiot if you keeping running, you could do some serious damage. Thoughts :rolleyes:, go see a doctor ASAP.

King of Kings

if it's shin splints - put your heel on the ground and tap your toes off the ground. repeatedly.

was told to me by a member of the army rangers.

my shin splints never bothered me since although good footwear help a lot too.

21stone

ur old enough to go pay the doctor urself

BossArky

Definetly stop running Cheek Gal. How long have you been running? Probably not long enough to be used to it.

nobodythere

Are you running on concrete by any chance? Bolloxed me shins before doing that too much

Treora

If you have fallen arches then that will compund it so have the physio check if you need insoles. Make sure you take calcium about an hour before you sleep so as it can do its job overnight and not have to complete with other vitamins. Vitamin C will reduce its effectiveness. Take your chrondroitin/glucosamine/fish oils in the morning to protect the soft tissue as you are using it.

cunnins4

cheeky gal, as said above, it sounds like shin splints. You've done the exact same thing i did about 3 years ago, and i know the pain you're talking about-it's awful. I didn't see a quack about it, but i just stopped running altogether for about 6 weeks and iced my shins everyday in the evening for about 30mins. When i went back running i took it very gently and only ran on grass for very short intervals until i my legs felt stronger. As for maintaining your fitness-as mentioned above swimming's a great way.

Prevention's better than cure so when you get sorted you need to do a few things, the first is learn to stretch your calves properly and thoroughly before and after running. Then find a green area to run on-this is of great benefit as it reduces the impact on your legs big time, and finally you need to get a gait(spelling?) analysis done. This looks at the way your foot lands as you run and based on this you'll need a certain type of running shoe. those runners you bought recently are probably not the correct fit for your feet and so are no help to your complaint. There's a running shop in Bray called Amphibian King, run by boardsie called damianmckeever (i think), drop him a pm when you're sorted and he'll give you directions to his place. He's gotten a lot of great feedback on the forum so it's definitely worth the trip.

More infor on Shin Splints

You should go see the quack thought to be certain.

Cheeky_gal

Thanks everyone for all the replies, greatly appreciated. I was hesitant to post this thread as I post so often, lol, but it was worth it cuz even now my right shins kicking back in and i've been sitting down all day.

King of Kings wrote: »

put your heel on the ground and tap your toes off the ground. repeatedly.

Thanks a mil, I can actually do that during classes so cheers.

21stone wrote: »

ur old enough to go pay the doctor urself

Seriously don't be stupid, I'm 17, shouldn't be expected to pay for the doctor in all fairness, plus I can't even afford it. :rolleyes:

BossArky wrote: »

Definetly stop running Cheek Gal. How long have you been running? Probably not long enough to be used to it.

I've actually been running the majority of a year or two now. And oh sorry I should have actually made it clear, all the running I do is on a treadmill in the evening at home.

Treora wrote: »

Take your chrondroitin/glucosamine/fish oils in the morning to protect the soft tissue as you are using it.

Would Udos Oil be sufficient enough? We always seem to have that stuff in the fridge!

cunnins4 wrote: »

As for maintaining your fitness-as mentioned above swimming's a great way.

and finally you need to get a gait(spelling?) analysis done. This looks at the way your foot lands as you run and based on this you'll need a certain type of running shoe.

There's a running shop in Bray called Amphibian King, run by boardsie called damianmckeever (i think), drop him a pm when you're sorted and he'll give you directions to his place. He's gotten a lot of great feedback on the forum so it's definitely worth the trip.

Jeez thanks a mil for that comment, some great stuff in there I wasn't aware of. Firstly, where would I be able to get this gait test? Sounds as though it could be of great benefit.

Secondly, I can't swim! It's in the family, huge fear of water!

And I'll be sure to drop damian a PM, Cheers!

supertramp

What about swimming in the mean time??

sorry I did not read all previous posts

Huggles

Tingle wrote: »

Shocking advice without knowing all the details. Stop running and get to a physio first. They may suggest footwear etc but it maybe caused by something else. Sounds like bad shin splints so get to a professional.

I suffered with shin splints myself so I know exactly what the symptoms are. hence asking her the questions I did. It has also come up on this forum time and again. You said it sounds like shin splints yourself so what the heck are u talking about?

The only thing I left out was get to a doctor, didn't think I needed to say that to her, thats a given don't ya think?

:rolleyes:

thirtyfoot

TheGooner wrote: »

I suffered with shin splints myself so I know exactly what the symptoms are. hence asking her the questions I did. It has also come up on this forum time and again. You said it sounds like shin splints yourself so what the heck are u talking about?

The only thing I left out was get to a doctor, didn't think I needed to say that to her, thats a given don't ya think?

:rolleyes:

Your advice seems to suggest change runners and your grand, which is nonsense. Its regularly stated that this isn't a medical forum so giving advice like yours needs should be accompanied with the "but go to a docter/physio" as you can't presume people will know it's implied in your answer, thats all I'm saying.

Had shin splints about 15 years ago myself - went through every shoe company in the world in my search for pain free shins. As well I know a very talented distance runner who's stress fractures led to a premature retirement, so I'm always cautious about people running on shin splints and not getting treated properly. I reckon your advice is good and relevant in that it cured you but buying new trainers and stretching may not work for the OP (it didn't work for me!)

Huggles

If you read my following post I said its "usually" the cause and then linked her to where shin splints was discussed in more detail. In nearly every one of the threads I refer to, Amphian King is always mentioned so...footwear certainly is a big issue for most sufferers.

BTW has anyone heard of the brand of trainers the OP uses? Or is it a typo Cheeky?

cunnins4

Cheeky_gal wrote: »

Jeez thanks a mil for that comment, some great stuff in there I wasn't aware of. Firstly, where would I be able to get this gait test? Sounds as though it could be of great benefit.

Secondly, I can't swim! It's in the family, huge fear of water!

And I'll be sure to drop damian a PM, Cheers!

Amphibian King do the gait analysis for free-basically he gets you to run on a length of track and he video tapes it (afaik) then he rewinds it and watches it in slow motion to see what way your foot lands. (either that or he has a foot fetish;))Then he gives you the type of runner you need. He seems to be a fairly decent chap and he only sells the shoe you need, not what's most expensive. He even takes them back if they don't work out (again, afaik, he'll clear that up for you).

linky

cunnins4

Cheeky_gal wrote: »

Jeez thanks a mil for that comment, some great stuff in there I wasn't aware of. Firstly, where would I be able to get this gait test? Sounds as though it could be of great benefit.

Secondly, I can't swim! It's in the family, huge fear of water!

And I'll be sure to drop damian a PM, Cheers!

Amphibian King do the gait analysis for free-basically he gets you to run on a length of track and he video tapes it (afaik) then he rewinds it and watches it in slow motion to see what way your foot lands. (either that or he has a foot fetish;))Then he gives you the type of runner you need. He seems to be a fairly decent chap and he only sells the shoe you need, not what's most expensive. He even takes them back if they don't work out (again, afaik, he'll clear that up for you).

linky

as for not being able to swim, you could always get over your fear??!!! or try non impact sports like cycling or rowing? Just don't do anything that requires you to beat your legs off the ground!

Hanley

Cheeky_gal wrote: »

I think I mentioned a few weeks ago that my shin was giving a bit of trouble. Thought nothing of it and thought it would just go within a couple of days but it's now been 2 months and it's actually getting worse so I was hoping someone could give me some advice.

It only causes pain when I run but been the idiot that I am, I've gone for a run about 5 nights in the past 2 weeks due to the fact that I haven't had time to go to the gym, so I've been running to compensate for that. But just now I went for a 10 min run on the treadmill and I'm in absolute agony. Even when sitting I can feel the pain so my question is what do I do? What is it? My brother suggested it could be arthritis!? I really hope not cause I'm very young to be getting arthritis! Apparently though if I keep running on a sore leg all I'm doing is damaging it further and then, eventually I'll get arthritis. Any thoughts would be so appreciated. Thanks.

Now given your brothers track record...


I actually have nothing to add other than go to a doctor or physio.

ali.c

Cheeky_gal wrote: »

1) My parents don't believe me, unfortunate timing cuz been xmas n all they've been asking me to do work around the house but with my shin I havent been able to do much so they see it as a BS "excuse" so don't think they'd give me the money to see a doctor.

2) Wouldn't the doctor just suggest a physio?

1) are you in college? The reason why i ask is cause i thought you said so before? Anyhow if you are most colleges have medical services (including physio btw) that you can attend for free.

2) It actually depends on the doctor tbh and on what they diagnose to be the problem. One doctor told me that he didnt put alot of weight on a physio's opinion (go figure.....) as they usually misdiagnose or something along those lines. Though i go straight to the physio tbh, except when i went to the college physio as you need a referal from the doc to get it for free.

I know you said you were going to pm amphian king so prehaps you are already sorted out. The above points were more for information tbh. I would agree with Hanley, stop listening to your brother. This is just my opinion but i think you are better to err on the side of caution with injuries and pains and seek a professional opinion, you only get one body and really preventing it from getting worse should be your first goal.

Mhmm...weetabix

ali.c wrote: »

One doctor told me that he didnt put alot of weight on a physio's opinion (go figure.....) as they usually misdiagnose or something along those lines.

The words Pot Kettle and black come to mind. Unless the Dr is an Orthopaedic surgeon I wouldnt listen to a tap he says and even then they know **** all about musculo-skeletal problems, they can just about diagnose a broken bone from my experience with injuries and the horror stories I heard while I was working in student clinics in college. I avoid Dr's like the plague for most injuries and go to GOSC registered osteopaths, (I sdtudied Osteopathy for 3 years so Im biased and know how I should be treated with these things, this is quite an apt subject as a misdiagnosed broken ankle by an orthopaedic surgeon was the start of my problems that caused me to drop out...Actually it was the bottle of jager that caused me to fall and break my ankle that started it but anyway thats a whole other topic.)

--amadeus--

I think generalisations about an entire field are a mistake. My GP is a fairly dedicated marathon runner and I would trust his advice / diagnosis ahead of any physio or orthopedic surgeon simply because he has both knowledge and interest. Unfortunatley it's trial and error / luck to find a medic / physio you chime with

Real ale madrid

OP, make sure you go to the doctor about this and / or physio - i know it may be costly but what price do you put on your health - i have had the same problem for the last 10 odd years only to find out a few months ago that i didn't have shin splints at all but Compartment Syndrome in the muscles around my shin which required a small operation to correct. All this becuase i didn't look after myself properly in the beginning. My advice is to stop running completely and get on the X-trainer or bike to stay fit and get your shins sorted - you will regret it for the rest of your life otherwise.

hottstuff

Cheeky girl strikes again!!!
Stop running and get to the doctor!!!:)

g'em

Cheeky_gal, do yourself and your shins a favour and seek medical advise about this. As well-meaning as posters may be, it's outside the realms of an interweb forum.

If and when you get a diagnosis you can ask further advise, but unfortunately we can't tell you what it or isn't wrong with your legs.