Shin splints. Maybe.

[Skyrg]

I've been having a pain in my shins whilst running or jogging. Googled and it seems to fit the symptoms of shin splints, I've only recently started running and it's on quite rough terrain so that would make sense. The pain is mainly when running and occurs when my feet hit the ground (sort of shooting pain).

Googling has also given me some exercises to strengthen my shin muscles, which I will do, but I'm worried my shoes aren't helping and may need to be replaced. I also get pains in my feet (an ache, like I've cut off the circulation or got cramp), this continues even when resting after running, until I take my feet off the ground for a long time. It can also happen while walking quickly/crouching etc. The trouble is, I can't afford to spend a fortune on expensive shoes and have no idea what type of shoe would be best (I've read you need to be assessed to get the right type for your running style?).

So, is shin splints likely or could it be something else? I think I've ruled out stress fractures since the pain is only when I run or jog.

Is there anything other than stretch exercises that will help shin splints? (I read about ice but I don't really get pain while resting and I am not running with frozen peas strapped to me )

Are there any shops that would give me good, informed advice about suitable trainers, fit me for them etc... and preferably wouldn't charge a fortune?

Ok well if it is shin splints then running on them will only make them worse so rest until they are gone. Ice everyday and do the exercises. Also try to work out why they occured. Have you done too much too soon or are you wearing the wrong shoes?

Any specialist running shop will test your running style but you could go into a shop and ask if your current shoes are ok and get tested wearing them (they might charge a fee for this) that's of course assuming yoU have shin splints.

Regarding the pins and needles. It might sound silly but try losening your laces as that's what happened with me!

Thanks Pinkglow :) I know running on them will make them worse, I'm going to try and exercise the muscles a bit and hope that will help.
It may have been too much too soon, I think it's also possibly the shoes, they're really designed for walking up mountains I think . Also the uneven ground probably didn't help...

You might be right about the laces, feels a bit like I've cut off circulation, I'll try that.
I don't know of any specialist running shops, can you recommend one?

I dont know any running shops up where you are but any search in google should bring up results. Running shoes can cost around £75-£120 so if you cant afford it then most running shoes should offer a gait analysis for a small fee to give you an idea of what you need.

Or to set you on your way you could do a wet foot test www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-240-319-326-7152-0,00.html which is how my husband picked his shoes.

As far as the uneven ground goes, normally its hard concrete that can cause them more as the hard surfaces can be hard on the feet compared to the softer trail ground so it might not be that.

Thanks for link :)
And the mud on the local field sets like concrete also because people play rugby there etc it tends to have little craters, which is probably a strain on the muscles.
I've heard they can do an analysis, but have no idea what this involves and what type of results they give you. Do they tell you foot type, gait etc? Will they actually measure shoe size? (I think I might have fat wide feet)

I started running a few months ago - I got pains in my shins & kept having to rest up. I went to Runners Need and got proper anaylsis and advice on the right shoes, got some decent running shoes (half price!) and most helpful of all, I religiously do 10 mins calf and leg stretches before each run. Do not stretch to the point of hurting as the muscles can go into spasm but I learnt the hard way that a proper warm up is ESSENTIAL. Anyway it's all much better now so this was just to say don't give up! You can get past this.

Sweatshop have shops all over the UK and do gait analyse.

Some people think Chi or POSE running stops shin spilts. i.e. Avoid heel striking and land on forefoot instead. Worth a try look for videos on youtube if you want to see what I mean.

All the best :)