Possibly shin splints...?

Petey2006

I jog twice a week, and recently changed over from running on a treadmill in the gym to running outdoors on the paths in Phoenix Park. One of my legs starts to get pains on the front of my lower leg after about ten minutes of running. Since the area is my shin, I'm presuming it's shin splints? Is there anything I can do to eliviate this without having to give up the jogging? Can I try different running shoes or maybe get some ankle support or something? As you can probably tell, I'm no professional by any means! Thanks in advance for the advice.

Roper

Hey Petey this topic comes up once every couple of weeks. It's very, very serious to get actual shin splints. I would doubt you have them to be honest, what is more likely is you are wearing poor footwear, have a poor stride or are simply adapting to the new conditions.

Running on a treadmill and road running are two very different things. Not only is the impact potentially higher, but you are also now have to drive instead of just lift (a treadmill does the drive portion for you as it goes underneath you no matter what). You may just need time to adapt to that change.

Alternatively though, it could be footwear. What type of shoe are you wearing?

Petey2006

Thanks for the reply Roper! I'm really glad to hear it's probably not shin splints. The runners I'm using, I don't think they're ideal for running to be honest. They're Adidas, not sure what model or anything, but they're pretty chunky and sculpted. You know the type. Would you have any suggestions as to a good shoe for running outdoors? I did cross country years ago and used spikes for that, but since I'm on paths now, I don't think they'd be too ideal!

Roper

Asics really. To be honest it's hit and miss with the brand names. Whereas even the cheapest pair of Asics are dedicated running shoes.

Petey2006

Great. I'll have a look for some. Thanks for the advice!

Third_Echelon

The runners you are wearing are quite important, so asics or something similar as suggested are recommended...

With regards to the pains in your shins.... Are you just starting out running after no exercise for a while?

If so, its just your muscles in that part of the leg getting used to exercise again. I had the same pains after I went back to playing football after not playing for a few years.... After a few weeks the muscles built back up and I was fine. May be similar for you..

Petey2006

I've been running on treadmills for about 8 months now, but only changed over to road running 3 weeks ago. So I guess the change over and the fact that I'm using the wrong type of shoe is what's causing the problem. Having a look at getting new shoes now.

Roper

I'd say you'll notice the difference in the Asics, but also maybe have someone in the know have a look at your stride. It seems minor but I had back problems previously that a running coach finally diagnosed as being due to a lack of knee lift.

Lil' Smiler

Petey2006 wrote: »

I jog twice a week, and recently changed over from running on a treadmill in the gym to running outdoors on the paths in Phoenix Park.

That there is one of the biggest main factors in shin splints.

Head on to a sports massage therapist/physical therapist and they'll assess it and probably do a technique we call stripping which will break down the scar tissue and fascia and tight fibres in the muscles. Painful but well worth it, had mine done there in December and have had no problems since. Depending on if they're medial or lateral shin splints (if they are in fact shin splints) they'll work on the Extensors, a bit of Gastroc, Tibialis Anterior and Peroneals.

jumbopalumbo

Lil' Smiler wrote: »

That there is one of the biggest main factors in shin splints.

Head on to a sports massage therapist/physical therapist and they'll assess it and probably do a technique we call stripping which will break down the scar tissue and fascia and tight fibres in the muscles. Painful but well worth it, had mine done there in December and have had no problems since. Depending on if they're medial or lateral shin splints (if they are in fact shin splints) they'll work on the Extensors, a bit of Gastroc, Tibialis Anterior and Peroneals.

Good advice , i second it

Hanley

There's a new running shop in town that I think does gait analysis etc... (they've a threadmill with camera set up behind it so I assume that's what they're doing). It's called Runways and it's right next to Cycleways on Parnell Street.

I've never set foot (lol) in the shop but I walk past it most days on the way to Hercs and it seems like a shop dedicated to caterin for the needs of runners. They're probably your best bet in Dublin city centre if that's where you're based.

littlefriend

There is also a great place in Bray Co Wicklow called amphibian king - www.amphibianking.ie

Really helpful, knowledgeable staff who aren't at all pushy

Lockstep

I'm getting the odd pain in the shins when marching at the army reserves wearing those big aul army boots.


Anything that can be done there or will I get used to it?


I used to wear boots the whole time until my shins turned to total agony so I've been wearing some Asics for a few weeks as a day to day.

NabyLadistheman

I have been running for a couple of weeks now outdoors on the roads. I has to stop last night after about ten minutes as the pain on the outside of my lower leg was pretty severe. I don't think that it is shin splints, its probably more likely that my legs are getting used to the different terrain. Its worrying though as I feel pretty good when running but this is obviously holding me back. Must invest in a pair of asics also

xebec

torresistheman wrote: »

I have been running for a couple of weeks now outdoors on the roads. I has to stop last night after about ten minutes as the pain on the outside of my lower leg was pretty severe. I don't think that it is shin splints, its probably more likely that my legs are getting used to the different terrain. Its worrying though as I feel pretty good when running but this is obviously holding me back. Must invest in a pair of asics also

I get this sometimes from running outdoors too, a pain on the outside of the shins which is not shin splints. For me it comes and goes, depends on the terrain etc. and is not something that stops me running. It becomes less and less frequent as time goes on. A proper pair of running shoes should help, but as with all other problems, if it persists then go see an expert.

NabyLadistheman

Thats good to know, just frustrating being held up like this

jenc

I'd second the trip out to Amphibian King. They have a treadmill but don't use it for Gait Analysis as it's not very accurate. You're getting the Shin spints from running outside not from running on the treadmill, they use a purpose built in door track to see your unique running gait. then recommend the shoes based on this running style. I went in almost a year ago and am completly sold on the concept of this shop as it cured my problem:)

xebec

For anyone who's interested, there's a short ask-the-expert type article in today's Irish Times about shin splints. Article available here. (Requires subscription, not sure about posting copyrighted material, Mods pm me if you want me to post it)

NabyLadistheman

xebec wrote: »

I get this sometimes from running outdoors too, a pain on the outside of the shins which is not shin splints. For me it comes and goes, depends on the terrain etc. and is not something that stops me running. It becomes less and less frequent as time goes on. A proper pair of running shoes should help, but as with all other problems, if it persists then go see an expert.

I Went out again last night and did my 3.6 miler in 28 mins. Felt good again as I did a really good stretch on the leg in question. Thanks for your help, id say it will just be one of those things til i am used to running longer distances

Roper

I went out last night for about the second time in 2008 and did 7k real slow, 35 minutes or so. Anyway I thought I'd post because during the first 5 monutes or so I got pains in:
My lower back (consistent problem)
My knees
And my shins- yes my shins! It was sore but I knew most of it was due to having had a lay-off, so I persisted and the discomfort was gone by the halfway stage, replaced by tiredness

So I suppose while it's wise to mind your aches and pains in the early stages of any exercise programme, I know from experience the difference between discomfort and pain. If you're new to anything, you're right to be careful.