Shin Splints

A

Amie Hazel

Guest
Hey everyone, My husband has Shin splints he has been given pain killlers by his medic but as im a non prescription drugs believer is there any way to lessen the pain or actions he can do to ease the discomfort. I love him so much and its so sad not having my gorgeous exercise partner to join me on runs anymore :(
 
The only treatment for shin splints that worked for me was to back off and not run for 4 - 6 weeks until they healed. You might try orthotics for the shoes, that helped me until my shins strengthened and I didn't need them anymore. Also, most people take ibuprofen rather than meds for the inflammation.
 
When someone gets shin splints what happens is the layer of tissue that is attached to the bone is ripped off due to overuse or wrong use of the anterior tibial muscle (the one right on your shin).
So the worst part about this is that this muscle pulls on that tibia everytime you take a step. The key to quick recovery is A LOT of icing and mobilization. The longer you wait for it to heal the faster it will...sound contridictory '"longer=faster". But really,

Say your husband doesnt run for 4 weeks, minimizes any walking to the minimum, he will ulimetely heal better and will be able to then run for longer of period of time before his chances of getting shin splints again, come back.
As opposed to he waits for 1 week, takes lots of meds, goes running worsens the condition, they he will have to stay immobilized for even longer.

So again, i suggest lots of icing on the shins themselves, and take ibuprophen if pain is unbarrable, but dont take so many that he wouldnt know if the shins really healed or did he just shut off the pain receptors.

And to prevent this from happening i would definerely follow g8r80 and get some custom orthopedics...or figure out what caused the shin splints (another cause could be running downhill) and to never do that action again.

I hope that helps. I know how much this sucks. :( Let me know if you have anymore questions.
 
thanks for the advice i told him and he is going to rest up as much as possible, unfortunatly he is in the defence force so he will have to march regardless. but he will put his feet up happily as long as i put the footy on :)
 
look up bare foot running. i used to have minor shin splints but by running on the ball of my feet and never letting the heel touch the floor it went away. it allows your calf muscle to act as a shock absorber instead of your shin bone. i think those vibram five finger shoes are suposed to help too.
 
Both my partner and I have suffered shin splints - the ice and the rest are the only things that have really helped us out.

I am just replying because my partner is also in the defence and had to march and wear the shoes provided and they were just horrible for feet. So we got some sports orthotics for his work shoes. Ones with a bit of arch support (seek advice for what you need) and they worked a treat.

Shoes have a massive impact on shin splints. Particularly if you run in them or are in them all day...
 
I agree with the shoes comments. I used to get splints from running. I actually found the problem was over-support. I bought some new ones that are ultra light weight, and use my custom arch supports in them. They're great.

This of course, may not be what he needs. Just sharing my experience.
 
Adding to what was said above, I would try to avoid pavement, as the non-give of that kind of surface is very damaging. Also, try to avoid impacting the ground too hard. The heel strike of your feet is the cause of almost all running injuries, so wherever you run, try to land more lightly and use the mid-section and balls of the feet more.
 
I used to get shin splints every time I tried running, whether it was on a treadmill or outdoors on various types of ground, and it was really discouraging. I then read posts like these and tried the orthopedic insoles and it made a huge difference. I went to HappyFeet and stood on a machine which determined where I am placing the bulk of my weight (pressure points), and how high my arches are. They were roughly $50, but I have had them for almost a year now and they are worth EVERY penny. Dr. Scholls makes orthopedic inserts as well, not sure how good they are, but the brand I have is called Lynco Orthotics. I am due for a new pair of running shoes and when I get a new pair I will probably buy a new pair of the exact same orthotic insoles.
 
Just like what other posters advised here, the right shoes are the best prevention. However, if shin splints occur, take the time to treat the condition. Don’t try pushing through the pain because you will likely worsen the problem, potentially causing a more serious ailment, like a stress fracture. The best way to treat shin splints is to:

Increase magnesium supplementation. Also consider a homeopathic treatment like traumeel tablets or traumeel cream; voltaren gel for the affected area is also an option.
Apply ice to the shin for 15 minutes at a time, four to eight times per day.
Reduce your workout. Instead of running or other high-impact exercise, try integrating low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, or water running. Then gradually return to your regular regime—emphasis on “gradually”!
Replace your shoes. Check the cushions and treads. If you are experiencing shin splints, now is a good time to treat your feet to something with better support.

Shin splints will definitely cramp your desire to exercise. By taking it a little easier on your feet and legs, you reward yourself with long-term fitness, vitality, and health.
 
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