Shin splints?

[AngharadB]

Any advice? I m on my third week off from running and am supposed to be doing the London marathon! I m having physio, doing other forms of exercise but it s still quite sore if I try to run on it. Surely it should be better by now? Maybe I 've a stress fracture? Any tips on getting it better quicker?I ve been advised to start gentle jogging. Is it normal for my leg to ache still? I m getting so frustrated!

[Heidi]

Hi
What treatment have you had? and what exercises have you been doing for it?
If you haven't run for three weeks I would say you are now pushing it as to whether you will be able to run in the marathon. Put it this way, if you don't get back into it asap, you won't be. So, I would suggest that you try a gentle jog on a treadmill if possible (lowers impact).
A stress fracture is possible, the only way of knowing this for definate is with an x-ray:
http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/front/lowerleg/stressfracture.htm

Although it does feel like more of a pin-pointed pain than shin splints and the actual bone itself would be painful to touch.

[AngharadB]

Thank you so much for your reply. I ve done a few miles since I posted the note. Tried 3 miles on two separate occasions and I know that s not much for what Ive got to do but psychologically feels so much better. It s almost like I was afraid? However, in answer to your questions I ve had some ultrasound a bit of taping up for a few days after and exercises with a band turning my foot in and out slowly to strengthen? Also advised to do other calf strengthening exercises. One good thing is Ive been keeping up my cv work with lots of cycling some cross training and swimming?
The bone doesn t seem painful. It s to the side (medially). I can palpate a small lump which is quite tender. It seems to be getting smaller? Is it wise to massage do you think, or keep away? Also, should I take NSAIDs or stay off to feel if it s too much when running. I m getting conflicting advice!
Thanks again

[Heidi]

Hi
The exercises sound good. I would also add in lots of calf stretches it you haven't been doing so, for both the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. You can find examples here:
http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/stretching/allstretches.php

Massage can be very helpful in shin splints to loosen the calf and shin muscles. Only get a professional to do this though. But I think you would find it really helps. You can see some of the techniques which may be used here:
http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/front/lowerleg/shinsplints/sports_massage.php

From the location of your pain and the presence of the lump (known as a nodule) it definately sounds more like shin splints.
I think you should avoid NSAIDS if possible at this stage, because as you say, they may mask the symptoms. You need to know that you are running ok without pain.