Robin, you didn't say what you were doing to get
them but I will assume it has to do with riding or working
out, specifically running.
Running too much at the beginning of a program or
doing too much speed work will bring them on every time. Also, shoes that
don't fit right or ones that have insuffient cushioning will aggravate
shins. Remember RICE, rest, ice, compression and elevation. And of course your
favorite anti-inflammatory.
Don't run through a shin splint, you could end up
with a stress fracture and that isn't fun either. If you are running or walking,
make sure you have the right shoe for YOU. I have run in Asics for years, but
some models of the Asics brand just don't cut it for me. I need the most
cushion or I will also get shin splints.
Now if you are getting them from riding, I would
think that maybe you are posting from your ankles, pushing up with the balls of
your feet and really stressing your shins. If the inside of your shin bone feels
bruised and the muscle on the outside of your shin bone is always
sore,(typical shin splint pain) try to change the way you post, using your
thighs, knees and hips more.
I have found that sometimes after a long ride,
I feel like I have shin splints because my half chaps will grip the saddle
and rub my calves back and forth. (This is a good thing as it is better
than my butt going back and forth from the saddle to the ground ;) When I
take the chaps off the pain is almost unbearable. But by the
next morning, it feels more muscle sore, not that
bruised feeling.
I highly recommend a good massage at least once a
month. I have been so sore after a ride that I couldn't even sit down. You know
what I'm talking about! How many towels racks have you ladies pulled out
of the wall trying to stand up after going potty? The quads burn, the center of
each butt cheek feel bruised, and you can't even lift your arms to take your
shirt off. The first few strokes from the masseuse will bring instant relief and
instead of 3 or 4 days to work the pain out, you'll feel like a new person as
soon as you get off the table.
