Not sure what to do....

[KaisaG]

I've had a lot on my mind lately and I'd like to run it past you all to get opinions/advice...

As I have mentioned before, I run about 15 miles per week... But recently I've noticed that I'm getting shin splints and it's getting more and more painful to run (this has plagued me since I ran track in HS/college). I've taken Tylenol a couple times, but because I am BF I don't like the thought of medicating myself 4x per week. I've thought about cutting down my running, but part of the reason I run on my lunch is because I have S.A.D (seasonal affective disorder). Basically that means about this time every year my body physically makes less serotonin because of the shorter days/less sunlight, which in turn causes me to get depressed. By exercising and getting that sunlight during the day, I am less likely to get depressed... and therefore it is not as likely that I might need medication. I am against taking meds if at all necessary because they are secreted through breast milk, and could cause Baby Eman to not thrive as well as he has been. In addition to running, in the winter months I also try and supplement exercise with light therapy (basically a super bright light that you sit in front of). I don't know if I am stressing about it all more than I should... but I think with the shin splints bringing on the fear that I might have to cut down my running, which means that I will gain back some weight, get less sunlight, etc. etc. I've just been really stressed about all of this crap... It just feels like a domino effect... If this, then that... If that... then this... (SIGH!) Of course not getting enough sleep and all that good stuff makes it all worse.

I don't know what I am thinking anyone else might say... :dunno I think that I am just trying to vent my fears and frustrations with my own hormonal issues and chemical imbalances... God knows it feels like I have enough of them these days!

[My3sonsplus1]

I've had a lot on my mind lately and I'd like to run it past you all to get opinions/advice...

As I have mentioned before, I run about 15 miles per week... But recently I've noticed that I'm getting shin splints and it's getting more and more painful to run (this has plagued me since I ran track in HS/college). I've taken Tylenol a couple times, but because I am BF I don't like the thought of medicating myself 4x per week. I've thought about cutting down my running, but part of the reason I run on my lunch is because I have S.A.D (seasonal affective disorder).

Can you do walks to get the sunshine and then another form of excercise, such as an elliptical for the weight/fitness issues maybe?

[daisydoc]

Kaisa... since you've ahd shin splints before you know they never go away you can only treat the symptoms they create. Things to think about:
1) Have you ever had you shins taped for the shin splints?
2) how old are your running shoes? sometimes replacing them more often gives you better arch support and in turn decreases the impact on your tibia.
3) Are you in the correct running shoes? Do you get them from a plcae like Fleet Feet where they watch you walk/run in them to make sure you're not pronating or supinating?
4) You can also try arch supports.
5) Ice massage your shins... get dixie cups, fill them with water and freeze them. When you "massage" your shins with them you make small, quick circles until the area is very cold and bright red.

Those are the main things to work on. My Bachelors degree in in Atheltic Training (aka sports medicine) so if you need more help or need someone to show you how you can tape your arches and/or shins to see if that helps you give me a call and we can get together! :smile

[colleen&Kail]

You should try to tape your shins before you go running.....i used to get shin splints when i played volleyball and when i would tape them it would really help......i can show you how i f you want.

[jellybeanmichelle]

What about strengthing the muscle on your shin?
Just put a 5 lb weight on your toe and lift your foot up and down.

[LMS]

no better advice than what's listed, but i sure hope your shin feels better. I used to have horrible shin splints when I was in track and cheerleading.

[becky]

I have never had this happen to me before but it sounds like you got some great advice. I hope you find a solution that works for you. Good Luck

[KaisaG]

Funny how when you stress baout something you think that there are no options... and then you run it by a few people and they remind you that there are MANY! I hadn't thought about walking on my lunch and doing something else later...
Anna- I have been taped for shin splints. I used to have to the training room in college every day before and after track practice... I had to ice them in "the cold tank.." (ice water) for 15-20 minutes. My running shoes are only a couple of months old- and they have good arch supports (I have flat feet- making me more prone to getting shin splints... so I have to make sure my shoes have great arches- as you know). I have casted orthotics from my podiatrist...
Looks liks this weekend I will be buying some tape :o) Thanks everyone!

[daisydoc]

Glad you're trying things! Just as a side note... most running shoes are only "good" for a couple months when you're running as much as you are and since you're prone to getting shin splints it would be better for you to replace your shoes more often so that the arch supports in the shoes don't get broken down to a point where it starts to aggrevate your shins. Even with having the orthotics, you still need the good base support in the shoe. It may be time to get a new pair.