Question for the runners of the board

I may be wrong, but it sounds like "shin splints" to me. I used to get them until I realized all you need to do is some warm up activity to that area before I run. Try this: from a seated position, pull your ankle towards your chest and slowly rotate your foot clockwise for 15 reps while keeping your lower leg still. then 15 reps counter clockwise. Repeat with your other leg and you should be set. At least it works great for me. Good luck!

Thanks for the reply and I'll definitely try that! However, I don't think it's shin splits. I've had shin splits before but this feels different. It's definitely more muscular type of a cramp where as the shin splits I've had in the past have been just pain in my shins.

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Thanks for the reply and I'll definitely try that! However, I don't think it's shin splits. I've had shin splits before but this feels different. It's definitely more muscular type of a cramp where as the shin splits I've had in the past have been just pain in my shins.

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I have the same thing. Look into foam rolling. Also, like has been mentioned, stretching and exercises to stress that muscle are good.

I had the problem so bad that I went to a "sports doctor" and he placed a lot of pressure on the muscle in my shins. He also gave me some exercises to do with a lacrosse ball to keep the problem from reoccurring. I was able to run with 0 problem the same day I saw the doctor.

It may be the soleus(sp?) muscle. If there is difference in the drop of your running shoes compared to your everyday shoes that might cause it.

I was doing some running and increasing my distances for about 7 months with no problems. I increased the distance again ( up to 70 miles a week) and started getting this shooting pain. I could walk, but couldn't jog/ run. I had 7 weeks to go before a race that was non refundable (entry/ flights etc) and I couldn't run a mile. Got an X-ray, dry needling, MRI and physical therapy for 2 weeks. No help.

When looking back over my training logs, I noticed the pain started right after I got some new Altra trial shoes. These shoes are zero drop meaning no elevated heel. I wear dress shoes every day for work that have a heel. My normal running shoes had a heel. I went back to my previous shoes and all was well. It still hurt, but was a leftover pain. It wasn't getting any worse and over time started to feel better. Got some new trial shoes with a "drop" and completed a 6 stage 170 mile self supported race on the Arizona and Utah deserts where I had a 17-20 pound running backpack on. Never had any pain.

I would never have imaged such a small difference in heel to toe elevation ratio could derail all of your training efforts.

Google soleus muscle and see it that's what's hurting. Hard to distinguish betweenshin splints and this pain so look at both possibilities.

What did he tell you to do with the lacrosse ball? I’m going to try the foam roller for sure.

I used to have the same problem extremely badly and I foam rolled my shins for a while and stretched those muscles by kneeling then sitting on my heels with the tops of my feet pressed on the ground. When I first started C25K my shins were burning so bad after around 3 minutes that I could barely keep going, now I’m up to 5 miles straight and I don’t have any problems whatsoever. The foam roller is a really powerful tool for keeping you healthy, I’d highly recommend going to academy sports and picking up a $15 one