Shin splints or fracture??what to do?

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wigglesdabum

3 posts since
Apr 27, 2007

Dec 26, 2007 3:24 PM

Shin splints or fracture??what to do?

Ok i no longer think i have shin splints. I think that i have stress fractures of some sort. During college i had what i thought was "shin splints" now i think they were stress fractures. I didnt go see a doctor cause everyone was telling me to stop being a puss and run threw it. Well there starting to hurt again. The pain is on the inside of my calf right where the bone meets the muscle on my shin and low about 3 inches above the ankle on both legs. Its a sharp pain when i put pressure on the affected area. I do NOT want to go to a doctor because i don't want this is be on my medical record and have it DQ me at MEPS(Military Entrence Proccesing Station..where you go to enlist in the military). I'm a little bit confused as to what i should do. Also i might be mistaken.. these might just be shin splints and i might really be a puss. Any help would be appreciated.

Edited for Clarity

http://This message has been edited by wigglesdabum (edited Apr-29-2007).

wigglesdabum

3 posts since
Apr 27, 2007

1. Apr 29, 2007 9:44 PM

in response to: wigglesdabum

bump.. sorry to bump it but i dont have much time left before i ship

nmcmurdo

31 posts since
Sep 14, 2006

2. May 1, 2007 6:29 PM

in response to: wigglesdabum

Is it painful to hop on the affected leg 10 times? And is there a particular spot on the bone that is very painful to touch?

Answering yes to either of these suggests severe medial tibial stress or a stress fracture. In either case, stop running and wait till there is no pain - probably 4 to 6 weeks.

crazyjim

6 posts since
Feb 12, 2007

3. May 1, 2007 7:51 PM

in response to: wigglesdabum

Last fall, I had lots of pain in my shins in the place you are describing, wigglesdabum. It was not a stress fracture for me, but medial tibial stress. I took 8 weeks off from running and things were OK. I did water jogging and cycling to stay in shape. Good luck!

joescott

11 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

4. Dec 26, 2007 3:24 PM

in response to: wigglesdabum

I really hope you get a good answer in this forum. I am having the same problem, it sounds like, and I really really do NOT want to take 6 weeks off running. It does hurt me to hop on it 10 times (even 3-4 times) and there is a spot on the inside of my tibia that is very sore to touch.... For my part, I am going to research a good sports med doc.

http://This message has been edited by joescott (edited May-01-2007).

Crossranch

5 posts since
Sep 23, 2005

5. May 1, 2007 10:34 PM

in response to: wigglesdabum

Wow. I had the same problem. Pain in a single spot on the lower inside of the shin a couple of inches above the ankle. Spot was about the size of a quarter. Thought it was shin splints. Then ran too much and broke it - diagnosed stress fracture (bone scan and all). Took almost 5 months to recover (I wish it was only 6 weeks). Then went a year running "carefully" to avoid further injury. Moved to "neutral shoes" and made it thru a half marathon but the spot of pain was still there. Finally found the cure - went to a foot doctor and got proper orthodics (orthotics sp?). The problem was rolling out on the toe off and actually rolling in when my heel hit (not very normal I guess) - knock wood the cure works - 300+ miles with no issues.

mohanapte

46 posts since
Mar 3, 2004

6. May 15, 2007 6:19 AM

in response to: wigglesdabum

Source: http://www.pponline.co.uk/encyc/0161.htm[/URL" target="_blank">

Shin Splint Treatment Summary

BASIC EXERCISES

1. Wall shin raises
a. Basic ? 15 reps x 3
b. Pulses ? 15 reps x 3
2. Single leg raises (advanced)
a. Basic and pulses ? 15 reps x 3
3. Heel step down ? normal length ? 15 reps x 3 (per leg)
4. Heel step down ? longer length ? 15 reps x 3 (per leg)
5. Heel step down from stairs ? 15 reps x 3 (per leg)

PRE RUN WARM UP

1. Walk on toes (basic) : 20m x 2
2. Walk on toes (toes pointing inwards): 20m x 2
3. Walk on ones (toes pointing outwards): 20m x 2
4. Walk on heels (basic): 20m x 2
5. Walk on heels (toes pointing inwards): 20m x 2
6. Walk on heels (toes pointing outwards): 20m x 2
7. Graduate to doing this running!!
8. Skip (landing midfoot) : 20m x 2; repeat with toes in and out
9. Skip on toes: 20m: repeat with toes in and out
10. Skip on heels : 20m: repeat with toes in and out

RHYTHM BOUNDING (read instructions properly?..)

1. Rhythm bound ? regular: 20m
2. Alternate 3 consecutive left ? right: 20m
3. Left only and right only: 20m each

DORSIFLEXION BOUNCES (read instructions properly?..)

1. Dorsiflexion bounces ? 10 x 3 sets (with gaps of 10 secs)
2. Single feet Dorsiflexion bounces ? 10 x 3 sets (with gaps of 10 secs) - advanced

RHYTHM BOUNCES (read instructions properly?..)

1. 10 x 3 sets of bounces
2. Quick sliver jumps ? 20 x 2 sets
3. 5 x 6 sets maxi jumps
4. Contact jumps ? 20 x many sets ? in different directions
5. Advanced ? one foot only

PERSONAL LEARNINGS ? KEY POINTS TO TACKLE SHIN SPLINTS

1. Wear correct shoes (stability, motion control etc..)
2. Do not over train, increase mileage conservatively
3. Ice your shins immediately after your runs and 2 times thereafter daily for a minimum of 15-20 minutes, paper cups filled with water in freezer works best
4. Run with proper form - do not overstride, shorter, quicker strides, landing under hips - not in front, landing midfoot relaxed - not on heel and lifting heel under hip - not driving forward with quads; imagine as if you are running on eggshells
5. Take time off, cross train and strengthen core muscles
6. Become a DEVOTEE of the shin splints strengthning exercises mentioned above ? doing them 3-4 times a week

Dec 26, 2007 3:24 PM

Shin splints or fracture??what to do?

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