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Shin splints

Mike WestoverMike Westover
in General Training Discussions
I woke up this morning to do my 20 miler three weeks out from the NYC Marathon and was hit by shin splints! I've had them in the past (13 years ago) but that was when I was less careful about stretching and ramping up mileage gradually. With stretching after every run, a year-round run durability approach, and the well-built EN plans I thought those days were behind me. I was very surprised to be hit now; I used the same EN marathon plan successfully last year with no issues, I had a similar mileage base going in (27 mpw average over the last year), and if anything I've been going easier and shorter the last few weeks as I got over a cold.

What has worked for you with shin splints? How soon / how far would you push? NYC is my A race for the year, but if I'm just going to do more damage and prolong the recovery I'll skip it and start focusing on Boston.

Standard treatment seems to be RICE and NSAIDs. Today my shin flares up if I touch it (all over, not in any one spot), so compression is out. And cold causes it to flare up immediately. Resting the leg helps but the pain still comes and goes.

I'm also going to get it checked out by a sports medicine doc in case it is something more serious.

Comments

  • Derrek SanksDerrek Sanks
    I'm not a doc, but it's my understanding that shin splints are caused by the muscle/tendons that attaches to the shin. So, your issue could be from the anterior tibialis. I recommend seeing someone who specializes in Active Release Technique. Also check out athletestreatingathletes.com. That's a great site for self treatment of common overuse injuries. 
    I hope you get this resolved soon and run NYCM.
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