What do you do when your shins are sore? Ice, massage, stretch???

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IGottaRun

43 posts since
Sep 5, 2008

Nov 20, 2008 3:16 PM

What do you do when your shins are sore? Ice, massage, stretch???

My shin muscles are sore for the first time since I started running about 12 weeks ago. I've increased my time running substantially, but gradually. I can still run, but was wondering, what's the best way to ease the sore muscles in my shins? Today I stretched them more than usual (after my run), then I massaged the heck out of them, which hurt, but felt a lot better afterwards. So I'm not so sore now, but I'm wondering if anyone else has better ways to relieve sore shins?

Any input would be greatly appreciated! TIA!

Urbster

558 posts since
May 27, 2008

1. Nov 20, 2008 4:21 PM

in response to: IGottaRun

Be careful it's not shin splints, if it is take more time off between your runs. Your muscles need time to catch up to you. I found pre stretching helps, I do the pushing agaisnt a wall move. Something like this:

http://walking.about.com/cs/medleg/ht/htshinsplints.htm

dfitz0223

277 posts since
Aug 20, 2008

2. Nov 20, 2008 8:47 PM

in response to: IGottaRun

Be sure you are not flexing your foot upward (dorsiflexion) as you bring your leg forward for the next stride, and that you're not pushing off with your feet. I used to have intense shin pain which completely thwarted every attempt to take up running throughout my life. Several months ago I came across this article on dorsiflexion and on letting your lower legs be relaxed while running (this is from the ChiRunning website). Following this advice resolved my shin pain completely and I don't have to ice or massage them at all. Good luck!