Shin Splints anyone and what to relieve them

halfpint1 · ‎03-10-2010

I went to the doctor the other day and he gave me a cortisone shot in my behind. It worked find the first day and second was okay too. Today I woke up with awful pain again. I went online and they suggested ice, he said warm compresses or a heating pad.

What is right? I walk with Sketchers which I like and comfortable.

Did anyone have this problem? What did you do and did the pain go away?

DrKelli · ‎03-10-2010

I used to get shin splints when I was racing (I am a competitive race walker), but no more. To get rid of the pain you are having now, take a sturdy cylider (a rolling pin is perfect if you don't have actual 'gym' rolling equipment and roll it up and down the front of your leg (on the bottom--tib/fib area) to get that muscle to release. They aren't really 'bone' related, but muscle related. To strengthen them you can do calf raises--off a raised surface is good because you get more range. Or you can sit on a bench, hold a dumbbell between your feet and point and flex your feet, and also do leg raises with a straight leg in the same position. I haven't had this issue for a couple of years now by doing the above.

151949 · ‎03-09-2010

I don't know anything at all about treating shin splints but in general - when an injury is new - first 48 hours - you should ice it , then after that heat. Since you have already been to the doctor and he is already treating this it would seem prudent to do as he suggests. If the doctor hasn't told you to do any exercises yet I would just do what he says and see what happens. Exercising an injury before it's ready, esp. with weights, could cause more injury.

VaBelle35 · ‎03-10-2010

I had horrible shin splints when I first got my hardwood floors at home. Wearing Crocs fixed that issue for me. I wear the thong style, (Capri IV) as my slipper.

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novamc1 · ‎07-02-2015

I used to suffer from shin splints because of running and excessively rambunctious aerobics classes. Mine were probably mild as shin splints go......but just resting and refraining from aggravating them for a few days seemed to get rid of any evidence.

I've never done any icing or heat treatments for any exercise-related pains I've had, and I've never allowed a doctor to give me a cortisone shot......temporary relief and potential side effects do not interest me. Have seen their effects (and lack thereof) on both my dad and my overly-athletic husband over the years.

Moonchilde · ‎05-23-2010

Since your doctor is in the process of treating you, I'd suggest doing as he advises. Some things cannot be "fixed" or the pain go away, in a day. Cortisone usually takes a few days to *start* working, not so much work right away and stop; commonly it's the reverse of that.

It sounds as if part of your problem, since you are not a runner, may be biomechanical issues, and you might need to stop wearing those Skechers and get into something that will better align your gait to keep from reinjury.

http://www.active.com/running/articles/no-quick-fixes-for-shin-splints

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RedTop · ‎09-01-2010

I totally agree with getting rid of the Skechers. I have 2 pair, and have learned the hard way that these cute shoes and memory foam are not for me. I actually have both pair bagged up and ready to give away.

I suffered painful shin splints with the first pair, but it took me awhile to realize the shoes were the problem. I can wear them to make a quick trip to the drive thru at the bank and back home without a problem, but I cannot wear these shoes to do a lot of walking.

I then ordered a different style of Skechers, and my first few wearings were for very brief outings, so my feet and legs felt okay. Then I wore the shoes on a day my husband had a VA appointment, where we had to do a lot of walking. By the next morning I could barely walk, and felt I had pulled or twisted my right knee. This happened 3 weeks ago today, and I am just now beginning to walk better, and put the cane away. This is when I realized the shoes have to go.

Once that inflammation goes away, your pain will go away. Since you have now defined your problem to shin splints, I suggest a nice warm soak in Epsom salts in the bathtub, and ibuprofen. Above all, your Skecher shoes are not giving you the support you need, and they are your root cause for all this pain and discomfort.

janeec · ‎02-17-2013

Shin splints can be relieved with some basic care, rest, ice (15-20 minutes 4-6 times/day), and OTC anti-inflammatory medication. Ice reduces the inflammation and swelling whereas heat will increase the circulation and may lead to more swelling. Changing shoes can help. It may be caused by flat feet with not enough arch support.

Hope you feel better soon.

hckynut · ‎03-10-2010

@halfpint1

Getting relief from shin splints is the easy part, for active people. Much like back injuries that can be relieved of pain, if the underlying source of the pain is not found? The problems will at some point return.

Shin splints are a minor problem compared to Tenosynovitis(which is an inflammation of the Tendon sheath). These tendons run from the shin bone to the the foot. I suffered this on both legs, at different times. You think shin splints hurt? You do not want to experience Tenosynovitis.

Physical Therapy 3 therapy 3 times a week/ice as often during my work hours as possible, and anti inflammatory meds when needed. This was before my bleeding issues so I could then take anti-inflammatory meds.

Unfortunately the source was not located, and when I got my 1 leg pretty much pain free when skating and walking, it started in my other leg. Same Rehab, which took months, not weeks. My Sports Med doctor could not figure out the source, nor could my Sports Med Physical Therapist.

I was left with my own investigatory resources. Did many different experiments with shoes/laces and lacing/kept better logs on my running and skating, and worked on more muscle stretching for flexibility, and resistance exercises for specific muscle strengthening.

One day a light bulb went off in my head and I figured out the source. So simple I could not believe it. It was kinda like "Not seeing the Forrest through the trees".

For shin splints for me: icing/easy stretching and muscle strengthening around the shin bones, and anti-inflammatory meds. Never let mine get bad enough to sans my running or skating, but pain is relative with different people and pain thresholds.

If you notice the shins hurt more when doing certain movements? Quit or minimize those movements. If one pays attention and is not on heavy does of pain meds, you will easily know which movements are exasperating this problem.

hckynut(john)