Shin Splints

Q: I just wanted to thank you. I was surfing the net for info on shin splints; and when I stumbled upon your Running Question #1, I felt like I had written the question myself. I am 36 and started running last year; however, during the 80's I injured my right shin from the idiotic high impact aerobics which were the "in thing" at the time -- and I am still paying for it. I don't want to go to a sports doctor just to be told to rest again or worst yet ... stop. I am afraid to hear that my injury will never allow me to run, because most of their information that I have read about shin splints states that rest should take care of it, which doesn't work for me.

A:  If you don't want to go to a sports doctor just to be told to rest then I suppose I will have to tell you. REST! As soon as you are pain free for a week then you can start exercising again. I would encourage you to get massage and have whom ever it is that gives you the massage to concentrate on the shin area (all the way up and down the shin), that should promote healing.

Now for some exercises to strengthen that area, put on your running shoes and walk around your room on your heels for about two minutes. Do this a few times per week. If that doesn't help then you should have your gate (stride) analyzed to see if that needs to be modified. As I watch most other people run, I find their form to be not very biomechanically sound. Keep me posted.
Good luck!

Trainernyc

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