(no subject)

[vicarz]

Shin splints help please - how do I keep from getting these? I'm having problems again, and I'm not even running! I work my quads, hams, and of course calf muscles...and there are no muscles in the front. I already stretch and use foompy squishy shoes. What else can I do? How can I fix these damn things so I can still run, box, and dance?

Mel - does your boy know how to fix/avoid these?

Comments

[kernelpanic.livejournal.com]

I've found that stretching helps, alot. I also try to make sure I have good shoes, I find that more support is better. There's a store off of Rt7, not far from Tysons - is the the little strip mall across from Freshfields, forget the name. They'll hook you up. I also try to Run/Workout on softer surfaces, like a treadmill, over a concrete sidewalk. I used to get them when I played soccer, but, that is all about shoes with little to nothing between you and the ground.

Re:

[vicar.livejournal.com]

They used to be Fleet Feet, now Metro run and walk. I have shoes from there. I do stretch - that's what I meant by I stretch and have squooshy shoes (it's more important to be cute than specific).

My problem now is I'm elinated all the stompy that I can. I do run on treadmills, but I can't box on one. I try not to bounce when I dance, and I wear inserts.

I think I just want to find a muscle group to strengthen or something - maybe just use chinese foot-binding techniques on my shins.

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[kernelpanic.livejournal.com]

I used to wrap my ankles for soccer. It seemed to help.

Doesn't golds have trainers you can hire to help you out?

[gothiccripple.livejournal.com]

Wrapping your ankles will help..and also soaking in an epsom salt bath after you run will alleviate some pain.

[turbogrrl.livejournal.com]

My track coach had us run backwards. It really does help.

His theory behind it: splints are caused by the imbalance of muscle buildup- you're working your muscles in one direction. The calves tighten, putting strain across the shin.

Anyway. Running backwards feels funny, but it also increases dexterity, and it really did make the splints feel better. ymmv.

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[vicar.livejournal.com]

Sounds wacky! I'll have to try it. Hell, I get things backwards anyway...thx!

[turbogrrl.livejournal.com]

;-) We used to do drills where we would *sprint* backwards, for 50 or 100 yards. It used to piss me off that I was the fastest backwards-sprinter, yet only middle-of-the-pack for *forward* sprinting!

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[thefeline.livejournal.com]

Aha! Haven't heard that one. The track team I used to run with on occasion (wasn't on the team...just used the track when they were) used to tell me to run opposite of the direction of the track every other lap. So I'd start clockwise one lap then counterclockwise and so on. I'm assuming it's the same principle?

[turbogrrl.livejournal.com]

yes, although in that case it's more to work both sides of the body. If you look at what you're doing when running around a curve [especially sprinting], the two sides are doing really different things, and you're also probably leaning into the turns.

Unless you're running nascar, ya probably don't want to get into the habit of only being able to turn in one direction ;-)

[thefeline.livejournal.com]

Are you properly stretching? Are you hydrating? Are you wearing the proper shoes?

I used to get these when I used to jog back when you knew me in college. Yeah...before I could give myself black eyes from jogging ;) I would have to really stretch, run on clay or indoor tracks, and hydrate.

You know who'd probably know about this??? anarcha might!

[dnaspydir.livejournal.com]

Sounds like you got a lot of good solid advice... running backward (my HS coach believed in that as well) will help, as will soaking, and hydrating... but just to make sure it's not something else (irritation around the bone, or stress fractures) you may want to see your doctor. Also, get with someone who IS a runner, make sure your form (and workout) is (are) working for you, and not against...