Shin Splints

[jimmiceman]

Anyone know how to get rid of the pain besides not running? 6 weeks left in the academy and I'm having a real problem with the pain and don't want to get a stress fracture!

[SHAACTION]

Hey man,

I run a lot and I've had some problems with shin splints lately. I know you may hate this advice but best thing to do is to take a break from running. Maybe a week or two. If you don't think that will help...have you looked into buying new sneakers with proper support? If your lower back is aching also that is a good sign that you need new sneakers.

[KiDWoNDeRZzZ]

Same problem I had a while back. The only thing you can really do is rest. Getting a good pair of running sneakers will help. Your shins take a toll with all that pounding during running. But if you already have shin splints the only thing is to rest. If that is not an option, the only thing I can recommend is take an ibuprofen or an anti-inflamatory after you run. Good luck with the rest of the academy.

[Oscarsjava]

Changing your running shoes might help - maybe go to a running store and have your gait checked, you might be running awkwardly. Other, like Kidwonderzzz said, an anti-inflamatory would be helpful. Just tough it out, I'm sure everyone in your academy's hurting and now it's really a matter of how much you want it.

[inv564]

I had to wrap my shins with tape for my runs in the academy and boot camp. I used "horse-tape" which is like that stuff ACE makes, the non-adhesive stuff that sticks to itself. I would swear by that stuff! Worth a try. Plus it comes in all kinds of cool colors!:cool:

[Oscarsjava]

I remember you, Inv564, I believe you rounded out my trifecta for $520!!

[Cris1102]

Anyone know how to get rid of the pain besides not running? 6 weeks left in the academy and I'm having a real problem with the pain and don't want to get a stress fracture!

Aspirin is the quickest relief from shin splints. (Yes, I know this from personal experience.)

This site may also be of some help as far as how to prevent future problems. http://www.rice.edu/~jenky/sports/shin.html

[jimmiceman]

Hey guys thanks. I actually bought a pair of new balance running shoes at the start of the academy. The guys at the running store checked the way I walked and recommended a couple of pairs. I definitely will take the ibuprofen route. I was just worried because one of the training officers here actually got a stress fracture when he was in the academy and I really don't want that. Thanks again!

[1depd]

Limit your running, to only what is required. If possible use an eliptical or other very low impact machine to maintain you cardio. You are already injured, and by attempting to push through the pain all you are doing is aggrevating an injury and making it worse.

I had shin splints a few years back and tried to push through. It took me almost a full year to completely recover. That is with taking five months off, running for six weeks at a school, because I had no choice, then taking another six months off. I could still feel the injury at the school and there were two or three runs I could not complete because of it.

[Roger Dat]

what may work a little is ask your acadmey instructors if you can run on the grass next to the round, will allow for a little less shock on your legs when you run

[mxwelch]

Limit your running, to only what is required. If possible use an eliptical or other very low impact machine to maintain you cardio. You are already injured, and by attempting to push through the pain all you are doing is aggrevating an injury and making it worse.

I had shin splints a few years back and tried to push through. It took me almost a full year to completely recover. That is with taking five months off, running for six weeks at a school, because I had no choice, then taking another six months off. I could still feel the injury at the school and there were two or three runs I could not complete because of it.

Good advice. I got them while in basic training and it bothered me for months afterward. Asprin does help like Cris mentioned but I've never tried the tape. I'll have to keep that in mind.

[Bearcat06]

When I got them during the academy, I went to my Doctor who specializes in Sports Medicine.

He had me stop running for about a week....had me load up on ibuprofen.....and I had to place ice bags on my shins during class to keep any swelling down...

He had me do a exercise to build up the muscles there better. Stand on your toes....and raise yourself up for about a minute or so every so often.....that seemed to help as well......and he also had me stretch out more in those areas before I ran.