Shin splints :(

[icantrun]

Hi, so as my username suggests I'm not a natural runner - but I'm really trying my best to get into it!

I've been going to the gym for a few years, doing general cardio etc. I've decided to take up running it's the worst idea I've ever had.

But the PAIN in my shins is unbearable. It feels as though my bones are popping out. I've read online that this happens when you take up a new exercise, so I did rest them for a bit when it first happened, but as soon as I run after a period of rest it happens again. How do I stop it so I can get into running properly? Thank youuu

Are you wearing running trainers that fit well? I bought myself running trainers in week 2 of C25K and they made an immediate difference, no more hurty shins!

Hi OP. It might not be shin splints. I have compartment syndrome and get agonising pain in my shins. I think the difference is that with compartment syndrome the pain stops when I stop exercising, whereas with shin splints the pain continues after exercise. it's blooming awful.
Make sure you have a rest day between runs. but that didn't help me

If you can afford it, I would suggest an appointment with a physio. When I first I started running I had lots of shin pain and other random injuries which were actually to do with a hyper extended and very weak glute muscle probably caused by my 2nd pregnancy.

I had NO idea there was a problem until o started running.

The physio gave me a full MOT, spotted this plus gave me a general running technique review and it was amazing the difference it made.

Thanks for your replies!

I think my shoes are fine, I can do absolutely everything else in them in the gym, but running is a massive no no. I'll look into getting some new ones when I get paid tho!

The pain doesn't stop when I stop running, but it is a lot better. I'm only guessing that it's shin splints, because my symptoms fit exactly what the NHS website says.

Sadly a physio is waaay out of my budget at the moment, I will keep on with the running/resting though

How much are you running? Are you doing something like c25k where you build up slowly or are you doing your own thing? I’m very new to running so have no real insight just wondered if you were possibly doing too much too soon?

@Teaandchocolatecake I'm doing the couch to 5k. It's mainly in my right shin the pain, and does tend to come on as my foot hits the floor (if that makes sense). When I go back to a walk, it still aches - but it doesn't feel like my leg is going to explode

See if you can self refer to a podiatrist. They made me some special built up insoles for my shoes as apparently my ankles roll straining the muscles in my lower legs.

www.google.com/amp/s/gizmodo.com/banish-shin-splints-forever-with-one-magical-exercise-5902699/amp
I had this when I started C25K, I used the above exercises which helped immensely but really once I got better shoes it stopped happening.

@TufVoyaging I'll definitely try to do that, I'm trying to get the running bug but it's hard when it hurts so much even if it didn't hurt I doubt I'd enjoy it

@Cadsuane I'm going to give that a try, I may get some funny looks but it's worth it if it works

I hated normal running but found mud runs quite addictive. It breaks up the running while you climb a cargo net or throw yourself down a zip line.
Good luck

You can use tape to help, have a look on YouTube for techniques.

I did the exercises on the back steps so no witnesses.