I tend to get rather bad Shin Splints when I go running, I don't normal run anyway because I am too lazy for that, but with the possiblity of joining the Army I have too! But does anyone know any exercises I can do to stop or reduce Shin Splints, I have heard that you can eventually stretch them out so they don't flare up as much or not at all. Anyone got any ideas?
First off ensure you have a decent pair of running trainers. When I first started running I ran in skate shoes and the obvious happened (shin splints). Also, make sure you aren't taking things too quickly. This way like you heard, it gives your shins time to get used to running.
I had a friend who taught me that the way to deal with those is to go forward on one leg and leep the other behing you and stretch the muscles in the back of the leg (Does that make any sense?). Basically your bending your foot up, but it stays on the ground.
if you keep going they go away eventually. the best way to get rid of them is to run more often. your body will adjust.
I got stress fractures through doing taht so I wouldn't advise it I'd agree with Spiral don't start to quickly you've got to buildd it up if you're starting from being lazy!
I think it is true they are going away but then I did lose 10kg in the process so that's less stress on my legs anyway and probably because I'm tall I don't know. The way to stretch it is actually quite hard to explain. Basically find a wall and face it and place one foot (the one you want to stretch) in front of you and basically lean forward and descend, if you do it correctly you will obviously feel a stretch in the area... Anyway I found a good website explaining the causes of shin splints and how to prevent with a description of how to perform these stretches: http://www.sportsinjurybulletin.com/archive/0161-shin-splints-treatment.htm
