How do I get rid of my chronic shin splints?

I am not an expert, so take it with a grain of salt, but I have heard it can be the shoes, and that shoes “designed” for running may exacerbate the condition. Maybe you could ask a kinesiologist.

I’ve been meaning to try out a new pair of running shoes due to an almost identical problem.

I’m thinking about Vibram Five Fingers; barefoot is how nature made us, so it might be best for running. I’ve also heard good things about Nike 5.0’s, which have a very thin sole.

The only other thing I’ve heard concerning shin splints is making sure that you are running correctly. I’m not sure who you’d go to to have yourself checked out, though.

And then, you could go the route I went, which is to stick to elliptical machines, exercise bikes and walking. I miss running, but what can you do?

Also, isn’t running on an indoor wooden track supposed to make a big difference?

My daughter developed chronic shin splints also…so she stopped running and is now down-hill skiing, mountain biking and hiking.

I should probably add that in my quest I went out and bought the best pair of running shoes on the market.

A good running shoe store will have someone there who will watch you run on a treadmill and see if it’s in the correct gait. Also, running on concrete or cement, neither of which has any give, can exacerbate the problem. Your running shoes are supposed to be a half-size up from your street shoe size as well.

Good luck. I, too, started running again recently after many years of not doing it.

@quarkquarkquark, I would suggest a visit to a podiatrist that works with athletes. Find a sports medicine practice and ask them who they refer to in your area. You may need orthotics to correct what’s happening in your stride. Shin splints most often happen as shoes break down and you lose support. You need to compensate for your stride.

Also, if you belong to a gym, you might want to meet with the trainer and work with weights on leg extensions and build up the muscles in your lower legs. Alternate weights and running. Working on a treadmill is so much better for you than street running. Stay off of pavement as much as possible.

Have you tried massage? I always recommend massage to someone with chronic muscle problems. I know not everyone can afford regular sessions with a sports massage therapist, but here is a video with a good introduction to “Massage for shin splints” that maybe you can show your significant other or a friend to try to help you out. Some techniques you can even do yourself. Youtube is an excellent source of to find other instruction.

If you can afford to get regular massage, you can go to most places and request a “sports” massage or “deep tissue” in a concentrated area, which would be your lower legs and corresponding muscles. They’ll probably work on your whole lower body, since one muscle is easily affected by another. sswwwwwwwwwwwwde

Hahaha… that last line was brought to you by my 2 year old.

@ubersiren: MIlo here; I can spell better than he can.