continuous shin splints

[lizmarhal]

I am trying to get back into running, but I'm continually having problems with my shins. I'll start out at the beginning of a week able to complete a light run (walking/running) just fine. But within a couple of days, I feel the pressure again in my shins. If I run anymore, they only get worse. I'll rest for a few weeks, but they always seem to come back when I start to run. I recently bought new tennis shoes (got fitted for them at a running store), and they helped at first. Still I'm not able to run for long. I feel like I should see a doctor, but I'm not sure what to do. Should I see a general practice doctor first or find a sports medicine doctor? And how long should I wait before I try to train again? Any ideas on what I'm doing wrong?

[Heidi]

Hi,

By tennis shoes, do you mean shoes especially for tennis? Or are they designed for running? This can make a big difference.

Was your gait analysed when you bought them to see if you overpronate or oversupinate?

http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/general/pronate.htm

If not you really should get this done as any degree of overpronation or supination can seriously affect your lower leg and cause overuse injuries such as shin splints.

If your sure everything is fine in this respect, visit a sports injury specialist for some treatment. Massage, ultrasound, stretching etc all help.

Also, visit our page about shin splints for more ideas. We also have an ebook you can download with loads of information about shin splints, treatments and prevention:

http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/front/lowerleg/shinsplints.htm

Good luck!