Preventing shin splints?

[ZoZo]

Last couple of trips, I had problems with shin splints - very painful! Does anyone have any tips to help prevent shin spints? TIA.

 

[mmdisneylover]

Last couple of trips, I had problems with shin splints - very painful! Does anyone have any tips to help prevent shin spints? TIA.

I get them every time I go on vacation yes they hurt the only thing that helps is to make sure you wear tennis shoes not flip flops. Helped me new tennis hoes if possible.

 

[aimeeinohio]

Stretch well in the morning before you head out (google stretches for runners), and any time you sit for more than an hour. No flip flops- wear supportive shoes. My mom has some sketchers go walk sandals that are both cute and supportive and they were only $35.00!

Don't get dehydrated, that makes the muscles tense up. And walk walk walk before your trip! I've got hubby and his parents walking a mile a day (I'm an injured runner so I already walk 3 miles four times per week). I've battled shin splints and they are awful. Stretching well and getting enough water helps immensely.

 

[ZoZo]

Thank you!

 

[xnascar2x]

You may want to invest in a pair of these to wear each night after the park. I wear them after my runs and they work wonders. Not sure if you would be able to freeze the ice packs though. Even with out the ice packs they are great. I've even worn them running and there is a big difference.

http://110playharder.com/shop/double-life-shin-calf-sleeves/

 

[RedHeadedFairy]

I did that to myself on Day 1 of a trip once & I was in agony for the rest of our time there.

I've found that walking ahead of the trip & getting my legs more conditioned/toned helped tremendously, and now I always throw my yoga mat in the van before we leave so that I can stretch in the mornings before the parks & again right before bed.

 

[ZoZo]

Great tips, please keep 'em coming!

 

[Foodallergymom]

I need these tips, too! I am plagued by shin splints.

 

[TxRabbit]

Warm up your shin muscles before you start walking. Think of the vigorous walking that is a Disney vacation as any other exercise. Don't hit the ground running without warming up your muscles. If you are going to stretch, warm up before you stretch too.

To warm up your shins, do simple toe taps. One foot at a time. It's easier to do if you have both knees bent, with the majority of your weight on the foot that isn't doing the toe taps. Begin with a simple up and down. Then switch to tapping in and out (toward the other foot and away). Return to the simple up and down. Repeat on the other side. Repeat as necessary during the day if you feel yourself stiffening up after sitting for a long time (a long meal or show, for example).

Stretch at the end of the day for sure. If you drive, also try using a "roller of pain" as we call it. This is a hard foam roller that is the equivalent of a rolling pin for your muscles. It doesn't feel very great while you are using it but it can seriously help if you develop knots.

 

[ZoZo]

Warm up your shin muscles before you start walking. Think of the vigorous walking that is a Disney vacation as any other exercise. Don't hit the ground running without warming up your muscles. If you are going to stretch, warm up before you stretch too.

To warm up your shins, do simple toe taps. One foot at a time. It's easier to do if you have both knees bent, with the majority of your weight on the foot that isn't doing the toe taps. Begin with a simple up and down. Then switch to tapping in and out (toward the other foot and away). Return to the simple up and down. Repeat on the other side. Repeat as necessary during the day if you feel yourself stiffening up after sitting for a long time (a long meal or show, for example).

Stretch at the end of the day for sure. If you drive, also try using a "roller of pain" as we call it. This is a hard foam roller that is the equivalent of a rolling pin for your muscles. It doesn't feel very great while you are using it but it can seriously help if you develop knots.

Wow, cool! Thanks.