Shin pain preventing me increasing my running distance

[Beauregard]

Could anyone advise me please?
I have been power walking/running for a few months 3-4 times a week.Although i have slightly increased my distance(which isn't far) i am so frustrated that this shin pain stops me.I am loving the exercise and really want to be able to run a distance.The most annoying thing is that my fitness has increased a lot so i know that i could run for much longer,if it weren't for the pain.
I warm up/cool down with stretches and am wearing proper runner trainers so not sure what else to try.

the new copy of womens running has a load of excersises for shin splints (this could be what you are experiencing but go to he docs just incase)go to the docs but as far as im aware it can be alliviated by strngthening the muscles im sure someone with abit more knowlage will be along soon

I only get the pain when i'm running thankfully but it prevents me from running further.
Thankyou mothersmilk

Just to add that a good sports physio is probably better placed to advise you on what the cause of the shin pain is as it could be anything from shin splints to a stress fracture. Depending on what the diagnosis is you should be able to progress once you have identified the cause and done whatever the physio suggests (eg could be strengthening exercises or changing shoes if they are not right for you). Good luck in getting it sorted!

Thanks MoshiMoshi

Definitely check whether you need support in your shoes and fill some plastic cups with water and leave them in the freezer, when you get home from your run, roll the cups up and down your shins when they are frozen. Works a treat

I'm getting this too lately, but only on right leg. Very frustrating.!

lulalullabye - i will try the ice thankyou

IloveTIFFANY-mine is my left leg , tis v strange

I have had this before (right leg only, which flicks out during running). Mine is currently under control. There are several factors that can contribute/make things worse including:

• biomechanics (e.g. pronation issues, leg length discrepancy, weaknesses leading to overcompensation)

• innapropriate running shoes for gait

• running style, posture etc

• building up exercise too quickly (overuse)

• exercising too frequently on unforgiving surfaces (pavement especially, pavement with camber even worse)

Things that have helped me greatly are:

• custom made orthotics and appropriate running shoes

• changing gait and posture

• stretching and strengthening weak areas

• core exercises

• varying running surfaces (flattish grass seems to be most forgiving)

• building distance up slowly

• icing and resting if any issues

If you haven't already, do get your gait analysed to ensure your shoes are right for you. The running shop I went to recommended a foot care specialist who made my insoles, helped me to change the way I ran and taught me some core exercises so that everything was working in balance. I also saw an NHS podiatrist who didn't know much about running but recommended some stretches that have helped.

Good luck and don't give up!