Pain in shins

[kid]

I have recently started walking a lot more than I usually do and now have pain in my shins when walking. The pain is so bad, I could cry! (I am a big wimp, I know that anyway!)

After speaking to some people, its possible that it could be shin splints. Do you need to go Drs about it or is it just something you can treat yourself with painkillers and ice?

I can't change the speed at which I walk, its not through choice that I am walking that distance in that time.

Any advice appreciated. I hate going Drs if I don't need to. But I really can't live with the pain.

Anyone have any suggestions or ideas?

Could well be shin splints, caused by more exercise than usual. Have you considered your footwear? You may need something more supportive. Normally, they suggest rest as the simplest way to recover.

Shork absorber pads may help.
Have a look
here.

I suffered from shin splints many times over the years so can sympathise with your pain - not nice. Hope you get sorted soon.

PrincessToadstool - I usually wear boots with a heel (about 2inch fat heel) The pain was pretty bad in those so I tried wearing trainers and the pain was much, much worse.

The boots need new insoles so I guess that could be causing more problems. I did attempt to buy some today when I got them re-helled, but they didn't have my size. Thinking about it now, I should have bought the next size up and trimmed them!

I have also been experiencing numb/tingling/pins and needles in my feet when I first stand up. Its only on the soles of my feet.
Driving tonight was really difficult. I can't bend my ankles properly. If I point my toes up (towards me knee) it hurts and it hurts a bit more when I move them down again. Basically, it all hurts all the time!

Thanks for the link KnottyLocks, will have a look at that link now.

Hiya Kid,

It does sound like an overuse/unaccustomed use injury. You could try passive stretches - sit with one leg crossed over your other knee, use the hands to stretch the foot into a 'point your toes' stretch and gently hold for 20 seconds if you can. Don't stretch into pain, just till it starts to feel like a stretch, then hold there with the hands while you relax the actual ankle itself. Do 2 stretches for each leg at least twice a day.

If your fascia in the shin is inflamed, it may help to use ice, use a towel over the sore bit and put your bag of frozen peas or whatever on top of the towel. Check your skin under the towel every few minutes in case of ice burns. Leave it on for up to 10 mins at a time and do it as often as you feel you need!

The stretches helped me when I had a similar pain (new car and different height pedals). You can also stretch in standing... point your toes and put them to the ground behind you then gently pull the leg forward to stretch the front of the ankle and shin. Again not into pain! Just into tension and try to hold for 20 seconds or so.

I hope it helps

PS If the front of the shins are swelling I would probably self refer to a physiotherapist or go to the GP in case it's a 'compartment syndrome' (sore but still treatable don't worry!) but this is not very common and it does sound like 'normal' shin splints.

I haven't noticed any swelling, but my legs are very tender to touch. It didn't help with 10 year old DD trying to sit on my legs last night. Still, she moved pronto when I yelped!

Will start those exercises now, I am convinced they will help.

I work in a school so am mostly classroom based. Once a week, I have to walk 2 miles with the class at a fast pace. It is pure agony and is getting worse each week. It makes no difference what footwear I have on, I have tried all sorts.
I am wondering if the Dr can give me a note to excuse me from this duty? I don't think the school will take my self diagnosis, particularly if they have never suffered from shin splints themselves.

I forgot to say, I don't know what the pins & needles is in the feet and for that I would go to the GP (so maybe talk to him about note for your work when you're there?) probably it's just related but better see if anything the GP could do to help. Good luck!