shin splint or stress fracture?

[mommy10610]

I am a new runner, just started running in March. Recently I felt like I was getting shin splints, which I have had before, so I stopped and stretched really well and kept running. This pain kept getting worse until I could no longer stand to run or even walk on a treadmill. I rested it for a few days, bought new running shoes and tried my luck again. It didn't hurt to run, but by that night my leg was really hurting. I have been off of it for a week now and it throbs even while resting. It is painful to the touch on the inner leg running along and maybe under the shin bone. I would say it is mostly painful in the middle part of the shin on the inner side of leg.

Thank you for any advice you can give!

[Heidi]

Hi,

I think if it is shin splints, which sounds likely, it is going to take longer than a week to heal. You have done the right thing to be stretching it and to have rested.

I would also recommend getting some massage to the calf and shin (staying away from the area where the shin muscles attach to the bone). Also ice and anti-inflammatories can help.

Have a look at our shin splints page for more information:

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

If you follow all the advice here, and a gradual return to running, and the symptoms still persist, visit the Doctor for an xray to rule out a stress fracture.