Help!! Why do I have Shin Splints.?

I have never experienced shin splints until now. I started running again on the treadmill about 1.5 miles a day im hoping to slowly run more. I was wearing a $25 pair of Adidas and decided to get new shoes so I got Asics gel nimbus 11's which were $100. They felt comfy but i got shin splints for the first time in my entire life. I dealt with it for two weeks before exchanging them for Mizuno wave inspire 6. I ran in the mizunos once and my shins seemed ok, but I had taken ibuprofeun before I ran. I tried running today without taking ibuprofeun and the pain was so horrible I had to stop after only 6 minutes. I dont want to stop running, and I dont know what to do. This is very upsetting because I built up my endurance and was just getting my stride going at a good pace.

Shin splints are not fully understood in the medical community...there are a variety of theories surrounding them though. As an avid triathlete, Personal Trainer, and Doctor of Physical therapy student...I have seen/heard a fair share about them. Running surface and stride seem to have Alot to do with them. You did the correct thing in investing in a better shoe fit. You are best to visit a "fitologist"(fleet feet has them) to be sure you are using a shoe that fits your gait patterns. What can you do to help...if the treadmill aggravates you....hit the black top. Try not to run on concrete. Other things I have seen that help...Stretching calves while strengthening your anterior leg extensors. Strengthening for A. leg includes toe raises(heal stays on floor/toes lifts up). You can add difficulty by attaching a band. Continue the anti inflammatory and ice them. Take time...and relax. In the meantime cross train. I suggest running 1 day and then biking or even elliptical for a lower impact day. Alternate...good luck!

me-triathlete,Personal Trainer, DPT student

I don't think you have much of a choice, you're gonna have to stop running before the damage becomes permanent. Try biking.

i run xc and i only get them when i run more than i usually do

This might not help immediately, but if before you run, you warm up by slowly walking about 20 yards on just your toes/ball of your foot, then 20 yards on just your heels, then 20 yards again on the toes, and a last 20 yards on your heels; then it helps your shins. The only other advice I can offer is just make sure when you run you don't put too much pressure on either the front or back of your foot (this can be hard to really check, but if your shoes are getting worn down faster in the front more than the back, then that would mean you're putting too much weight on the front of your foot when you run).

Shin splints are caused when your muscle is tearing away from the bone. It is a common side effect when starting to run again. Make sure your giving your muscles time to heal between runs (1 to 2 days). Stop changing running shoes as this will hinder the healing because the muscles tear at different places. Continue running and practice warm up and cool down stretches during routines. I know the pain sucks but as the saying goes no pain no gain. With that said if it becomes to unbearable or you see bruising around the shins consult a doctor.

Run every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the last 9 yrs in the US Army.

First stop running for a while so they can heal. Second, you need to change your running form. When you runmy guess is you are most likely landing on your outstretched leg, heal first ( and possibly hard) on the ground. This is called, " putting on the breaks". That's also a whole nother talk about efficiency and stuff...however it causes force directly to your bones and joints (to include your knees hardcore). Basically, no matter what shoes your wearing, you are slamming your bones and joints together. Think of a car without shocks driving over potholes. A basic fix may be to shorten your stride. This causes you to use your quads more as,"shocks". Also some people find it helpful to adjust the way you land on your feet. Google running barefoot and proper running form to find some great sites if you choose to go down this path. Good luck!

Personal experience, medical experience