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Jan 2014
1:34pm, 18 Jan 2014
1,351 posts
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RevBarbaraG
After my first reply, I went and googled shin splints (just in case I was right!). The NHS site suggests resting for 2 weeks  But pain is your best guide to what you can safely do.
I have read in lots of places that the cardiovascular system adapts to exercise much more quickly than the musculo-skeletal system, and this is why so many novice runners suffer injuries early on. They feel themselves getting fitter, they can run faster/more, so they do. But unfortunately the muscles and tendons are not adapting as quickly as the heart and lungs. The answer is - be patient, go more slowly.
I started running last April with a long history of knee pain. I started on twice a week. After a month, when the knee was holding up, I went to three times a week. I kept that up for 3 months before going to 4 times a week. Then I started ramping up the miles preparing for a marathon.... and picked up a calf strain when I *wasn't* running fast and *was* properly warmed up. Overall training load is the likely culprit - even though I had respected all the advice i.e. not increasing more than 10% per week, taking rest days, taking cutback weeks, following a hard run with an easy one.
Be patient. Cross train. You will run again.
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Jan 2014
1:41pm, 18 Jan 2014
6,951 posts
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geordiegirl
Welcome to fetch and sorry to hear you've been hit by injury so soon.
If it's any consolation I had the same when I started running and know its painful & frustrating but good advise and resting now will help in the future.
A good piece of kit to get is a foam roller (you can get them on Amazon) really helps stretch your your muscles. Hope you're back on your plan soon. Keep us posted.
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Jan 2014
5:27pm, 18 Jan 2014
10 posts
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somersetslob
Thanks again for the help and support. Much needed right now!
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Jan 2014
6:04pm, 18 Jan 2014
1,360 posts
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RevBarbaraG
Don't think foam roller helps with shin splints, does it? Good for maintenance, though. Makes mental note to revisit mine soon....
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Jan 2014
10:40pm, 18 Jan 2014
6,952 posts
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geordiegirl
I didn't say the foam roller would help with shin splints rather that it is a good bit of kit to have. Wish I'd know about it as a new runner!!!!
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Jan 2014
6:06pm, 19 Jan 2014
21 posts
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idle_wilder
As shin problems can often be caused/hindered by tight calves, good stretches and foam rollering may help some people! It may be also be worth going back to the place you got your shoes from and seek advice - may not be the shoes you've been given, but it can happen very occasionally (I should know!). Suffering from shin problems myself, I know how frustrating it can be, but definitely try to rest, then start up slowly again
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Jan 2014
1:15pm, 24 Jan 2014
16,804 posts
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HellsBells
How did it go Somerset?
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Jan 2014
1:45pm, 24 Jan 2014
5 posts
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HowHardCanItBe
Preventative measures - plenty of exercises out there to work the shins but easiest is probably heel walking (ie with your forefoot off the ground). Barefoot on carpet is best. If it's painful to do this at the moment then don't but once you can without pain - 10 steps with toes pointing forward, 10 with toes pointing out, 10 with toes pointing in. Repeat once or twice to start with and gradually increase the number of reps.
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Jan 2014
4:50pm, 29 Jan 2014
1,249 posts
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Lip Gloss
Hi, thought I would pop on here as I had bad shin splints last year and have felt them again the last couple of times I have been out. I find them worse when I have resorted to using the treadmill. What I was wondering about (as a fairly new runner) is compression socks - would they be of any benefit? I have a foam roller so must go and dust the cobwebs off of it and also use it but was just wondering..
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Mar 2014
3:35pm, 19 Mar 2014
12 posts
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somersetslob
Just found a few more messages on this thread since I last looked, thank you will try the heel walking for sure!
I've just posted a new thread as I'm finally back on the horse, and looking to avoid the shin splints reoccurring...
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