Shin Splints

Posted by 190k (392 days ago)

I got shin splints in my left leg 1 month ago and subsequently rested it for 1 month. I then went for a short slow run and it has come back just as bad as 1 month ago. How do you cure it? any ideas? I have had an x-ray already and there is no fracture.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

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Posted by sandydee (391 days ago)

shin splints (anterior or posterior compartment syndrome) can be very painful and produce a tightness and a dull aching of the involved muscle. Massage therapy does help and also strapping the muscle. but just a precaution..do you travel much by air? I think its odd that you only experience it in one leg. Maybe your gait is out, etc. Sandy

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by 190k (390 days ago)

Hi Sandy,

The pain is about 2" above the left ankle on the inside of the shin bone. There is a hard lump on the bone. I ahve had an x-ray and it is not a stress fracture. I don't fly often but work in an office. having said that I run every lunch time 9 km. The pain gradually came on so I rested for a week. The a month ago I ran again got 4 km into the run (much slower than normal)and the pain came on so intense I had to walk. For the next got x-ray the next day, clear. For the next 3-4 days it was very painful when I initially stood up, then the pain would subside and I could walk almost normally. I did not do any running for 4 weeks and then went for a 5 km very slow run. During the run it seemed fine. However, that night when I got up from the sofa the pain was back again and just as intense as previously. I am using a proxicam rubbing cream (Feldene) and taking Ibuprofen, constant dull ache but no sharp pains any more. I also ice 2 times a day. I don't think it is DVT as the pain is definitly bone/tendon type (I have had lost of broken/fractured bones and torn ligaments before). This is teh first time I have had this problem and don't know how to cure it 5 weeks now and no improvement. Hope you can help.

Cheers Terry

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by sandydee (390 days ago)

i used to massage for a couple of football teams back home. I am not a strapper but I did get taught how to strap "shin splints" which helped the guys get through the game. I am happy to show you what I know and you can at least see if it helps.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by 190k (390 days ago)

I am currently strapping with a crape bandage it os ok for walking etc but I don't dare try running yet just swimming and cycling. Does it ever go away?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by sandydee (390 days ago)

severe cases are sometimes operated on. It has nothing to do with the actual bone but the muscles and tissue itself. Are you strapping towards the bone?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by sandydee (390 days ago)

adding to that... i don't think a crepe bandage is firm enough as it stills allows too much movement.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by jcheung (389 days ago)

Rest is important, at the same time, you could also try acupuncture :

http://www.medicalacupuncture.com/aama_marf/journal/vol13_1/case1.html

For a list of acupuncturist, pls take a look at the service directory of AsiaXpat :

http://hongkong.asiaxpat.com/atoz.asp?cat=201&id=44

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by sandydee (386 days ago)

How are those shin splits going? Did you need help in strapping them to see if my way makes any difference? Let me know. It's no problem.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by 190k (386 days ago)

Sandy,

thanks for your concerns and offer of assistance. I am trying a Chinses bone setter and it seems to be working so far but I am not running yet. what do you use for the strapping and what pattern do you use?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by sandydee (386 days ago)

email me recoverymassage@hotmail.com or pm me

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by bodyactive (385 days ago)

When running next listen to your footsteps to see if one leg is louder than the other. This is a simple way to indicate if your gait is causing your pain.
Next examine your shoes -where do they get worn down? does the left foot have more wear? does the heel or the forefoot have wear?
If the forefoot has then you have a forefoot gait or run on your toes. In my experience and this is a pet subject for me shin splints is caused by a)too much running (you run 9km everyday) b) toe runners - this means that the bodies natural heel to toe rocker and knee-pelvis-spine shocker absorbtion mechanism does not work properly to dissapate the impact and the little shin muscles do and consequently cant take the loading. c) your pelvis and knees are weak and exacerbates b above.

solution. run heel toe and perhaps stretch calfs before running and minimise high heel shoe wearing.

Get new running shoes around every 3 months for your sort of milage.

buy action asia magazine next two issues as there is an article on conditioning for running in the health section.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by donkey1 (379 days ago)

Have you seen a physio to get it properly diagnose? For shin splint the best solution is rest. I had shin splint 3 times and my last one took me 2 months off from running. I strapped when I ran but i don't think it help the healing process. You really need to rest. And shin splint is always caused by running too much too soon, sudden change of training pattern and biomechinal problem. Get your running pattern checked and wear orthotics if needed.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by 190k (378 days ago)

Thanks for everyones concerns and advice. I am resting it now and will for two months. I do cycling, swimming and rowing machine instead to keep fit. I am also going to a Chinese bone setter and teh results are quite encouraging but it makes the bedroom stink.

the cause new running shoes which were a tad heavier than the last pair and also running at a slower pace due to the hot weather meant more impact on an already bad leg, 3X ACL repair and 2X miniscus repair, 2X fractured shins

(I am based in Hong Kong)