Shin Splints question

[Daisybelle]

I have a question for those of you more experienced than I (which encompasses the vast majority posting on the WISH board).

So I've been walking very regularly the past 3 weeks. Outside and on my treadmill. It seems that I feel great the first 10 minutes of my walk. All systems full steam ahead. Invariably at the 10 minute mark, my shins start hurting. This lasts for 10 minutes and then at about the 20 minute mark, it eases up. I bought new shoes a couple of weeks ago and it doesn't seem to have helped in that particular area.

Any suggestions on what I should do?

 

[StacyMarie]

I started running on March 1st, and I had TERRIBLE shin splints. I went to the doctor and was told the best thing is proper stretching and the correct shoes. I went to a runner's store and was professionally fit for shoes according to my gait and foot structure. My shin splints were gone within a week. I haven't looked back since. On March 1st when I started running, I could not even run a block, now I am up to 4 miles and will be doing my first 5K in June. Good luck!!

 

[Daisybelle]

I started running on March 1st, and I had TERRIBLE shin splints. I went to the doctor and was told the best thing is proper stretching and the correct shoes. I went to a runner's store and was professionally fit for shoes according to my gait and foot structure. My shin splints were gone within a week. I haven't looked back since. On March 1st when I started running, I could not even run a block, now I am up to 4 miles and will be doing my first 5K in June. Good luck!!

Hmmm. I think I'll see if any stores in my area do the professional fitting. That's a good diea. Thank you!

 

[Nazran]

Stretching the muscle thoroughly before walkin will help, but until the muscle itself is strong and used to the walking you will experience discomfort.

 

[Daisybelle]

Stretching the muscle thoroughly before walkin will help, but until the muscle itself is strong and used to the walking you will experience discomfort.

Thanks for the tip! I read your blog, too. Very interesting stuff! I totally could relate to your comment at the start about food being your heroin. I'm working on breaking that addiction myself.

 

[Nazran]

Thanks for the tip! I read your blog, too. Very interesting stuff! I totally could relate to your comment at the start about food being your heroin. I'm working on breaking that addiction myself.

Thank you! I am not much of a writer at all but wanted to document this process.

 

[crewmatt]

Also watch how you're landing. As funny as it is to be running and pass someone and have them not even know you were behind them (they scream in general or gasp etc). You want to make sure your footfalls are gentle and sound is the best way to tell. If you run/etc with music then just try a little bit without to get the feel for the sound/etc.

If you're new to this, chances are you're overstriding. Dont reach your foot too far forward, you want it to land just underneath the center of your mass (so you land on the heel/midfood). Try to avoid lots of bouncing up and down as well.

 

[Daisybelle]

Also watch how you're landing. As funny as it is to be running and pass someone and have them not even know you were behind them (they scream in general or gasp etc). You want to make sure your footfalls are gentle and sound is the best way to tell. If you run/etc with music then just try a little bit without to get the feel for the sound/etc.

If you're new to this, chances are you're overstriding. Dont reach your foot too far forward, you want it to land just underneath the center of your mass (so you land on the heel/midfood). Try to avoid lots of bouncing up and down as well.

Does that apply to walking as well?

 

[Daisybelle]

Also watch how you're landing. As funny as it is to be running and pass someone and have them not even know you were behind them (they scream in general or gasp etc). You want to make sure your footfalls are gentle and sound is the best way to tell. If you run/etc with music then just try a little bit without to get the feel for the sound/etc.

If you're new to this, chances are you're overstriding. Dont reach your foot too far forward, you want it to land just underneath the center of your mass (so you land on the heel/midfood). Try to avoid lots of bouncing up and down as well.

WOW. I just tried your suggestions and it made ALL the difference. I focused on my stride and I could tell when I was starting to go to far forward because it would twinge in my shin. When I shortened my stride it felt so much better and I was able to go a longer distance than I have been able to thus far. I also paid attention to my posture and that seemed to help too. It was much more comfortable. Thank you!