Pain in shins while running anyone?

[kornkulin]

When I run I have pain in my shins, more specifically, on the front insides of my lower legs. It happens more so in my left leg. Does anyone know what causes this, or what it is at all? How can I prevent it?

[Porkape]

I have the exact same problem sometimes. It first started about 10 years ago whenever I would have to walk somewhere fast on an empty stomach like to class or catching the subway. Sometimes it was so bad because I would have walked fast like 10 city blocks without having a bite to eat and I would be limping or stop to get the feeling back in my legs again. Now that I live a more healthy lifestyle the pain has all but disappeared except for when I am sprinting outdoors or running fast on a treadmill and even that isn't always. No idea why it happens or when it can occur. I would be following this post as well for replies.

[ElClipo]

That my friends is called chin splints. Many things can contribute, but teh most common ones come from running on hard surfaces (read concrete) and poor form (hence it happening on treadmills as well). The most common solution, is shoes. Don't be cheap, buy good shoes, and replace them often. Most sporting goods stores will actually put you though a walking test that allows them to figure out the specific type of shoe you need.
And you though the numbers on running shoes meant nothing...

[Porkape]

That my friends is called chin splints. Many things can contribute, but teh most common ones come from running on hard surfaces (read concrete) and poor form (hence it happening on treadmills as well). The most common solution, is shoes. Don't be cheap, buy good shoes, and replace them often. Most sporting goods stores will actually put you though a walking test that allows them to figure out the specific type of shoe you need.
And you though the numbers on running shoes meant nothing...

Hmmm....Hard surfaces it is - asphalt and sidewalks for sure. But shoes I always go for comfort and spend some coin on them. I usually have about 6-7 pairs around of all kinds and the pain hasn't discriminated whether I am wearing dress shoes while walking fast to work or my running kicks on a treadmill at a high speed. I still think (maybe its mental) that me eating properly and timely has something to do with it.

My family has a poor health history of heart conditions, blood pressure and diabetes - the trifecta of pop diseases. Sooner or later it will hit me I am just trying to extend my time without them by living healthy.

[kornkulin]

Ya, I was given the advice by a former nurse to get better shoes awhile back and immediately took her advice. However, the pain still continues and these shoes are over $100. I'm not a big fat guy either and workout regularly so I count weight out as a problem. I never used to have this problem, so I'm clueless right now. I do run on a lot of hard surfaces though, so I'll cut back on that, except running seems to be the best cardio for me. Any suggestions on cardio that will work as well as jogging/running?

[manofmany]

I have the same problem. Every time I run a mile or two the front of my shins get so tight I can barely walk.

There is a muscle up there and I'm wondering if it doesn't get worked enough.

[ultragymrat]

take a look at the other string...

[NewYorkGiants]

Shin splints are caused by the extreme fatigue of the muscles in the lower leg which actually causes the bone to take more of the brunt of the force than it is meant to and to tear away from the tendons, eventually causing what is known as a stress fracture. Shin splints are a repeated stress injury and are avoidable in most cases.

1) Go to a shoe specialist store and get specially fitted for shoes. Not just some 18 yr old at Sports Authority. There are real quality foot Dr's that will hook you up. This cures the pain for most people.

2) Stretch before and after you run by pulling up on your toe (or put your foot at an angle against a wall and lean forward). Feel the stretch in your achilles tendon.

3) Slowly work up in time and distance traveled, don't go from no running to running 3-5 miles a day, you WILL get shin splints. Make sure you strengthen your calf muscles

4) RICE.. Rest, ice, compression, elevate, i also find massages to be helpful

5) If all else fails, a friend got perscribed special braces that were painful and cut into his legs but helped eliminate shin splints (soccer player)

[kornkulin]

What "shoe specialist" stores would you recommend, or can at least list? I do stretch but I will try different variations and techniques and see if that helps.

[trnhrd]

I used to have these problems when I ran, but I changed up the way I trained. Instead of just working the calf muscles, you need to also work the anterior tibialis. Having a strong AT will usually help. It has in my running life. Simply place a weight on the front part of your foot and raise your toes to life the weight, flexing the AT. Hope this helps.

[egodkin]

The best way I have found is to sit in a chair with your feet flat on the ground. Raise your heels as high as they will go then lower them flat again and raise the tips of your feet as high as the will go. Repeat. Easy if your stuck at a desk all day to.