ATTN Exercisers... I have a question

[chloeandj]

I am having terrible shin pain. What can I do to prevent this from happening? I get it only from jogging which I have really started to enjoy accept now my shins are killing me!!

[Rhapsody]

My dad runs 5 miles a day every morning (actually I need to take up his habit, lol). When his shins start to bother him, he buys a new set of shoes and retires the old. He's a very serious runner, and normally replaces his running shoes every 3-4 months. Also he's experiemented with different shoes, and now he has a style he buys exclusively -- I think they cost about $120, he swears he's never gotten a decent pair of running shoes for under $80.00. Good luck!

[ARCHIE]

It is my understanding that jogging is very stressfull on the knee joints.

How about power walking? It's much better for you expecially if you
are experiencing pain in your knees. Power walking is just as good a
work out and also works out your arms and upper body.
I can't jog but love walking. You can put in your ear phones and
enjoy You'll loose just as much and also loose the pain.

[chloeandj]

The shoes makes sense. I did just buy some Nike's for $65...I felt like that was a lot! LOL I think if I am really going to be serious, I'll need save up for some better ones.

I started out power walking and I do really enjoy that too. But I feel good pushing myself and trying to jog more and more everyday. But if it means pain, then maybe I shouldn't.

I was hoping someone could tell if it will get better in time or if maybe I'm not stretching the right way?

[Rhapsody]

From what I understand pain in the shins is called shin-splints. And it's caused by stress of hitting a hard surface without enough cushion to soften the impact. My father also suggest running in the street over sidewalk, dirt path over paved. . . He says that he can't run on the sidewalks for any length of time, but paved road is 'softer'. Might want to try that, but he says if it's your shins, stretching won't help. . .

Oh one other thing you might want to try is a warm bath right after -- this will keep the muscles warm.

[Jenn218]

My doctor told me if I wanted to jog, to jog on a small indoor (exercise) trampoline. That way, it gives a softer and bouncer jogging surface. He said to save the hiking trails/etc for walking (even power walking) because the surface is rough and unstable (rocks, etc)...plus, it is a isn't a constantly flat surface (hills, etc). He also said that running was best done on the treadmill or flat surface, but would rather me jog on the exercise bouncer (rebounder, whatever they are called). Hope this helps.
Oh, good shoes are plus....it is recommended to change them twice a year or whenever they start to get worn. (that depends on the person and the amount they work).

[Dior'sMom]

You can try jogging on the grass. It feels alot better. Or u can try arch supports

[YorkieMom55]

I asked my BIL (retired track coach) he said that an old runner's trick is to take a pair of removable insoles from a throw-away pair of shoes and cut the heel end off and put it under the heel of the insole of your running shoes. Raising the heel just a bit will reduce alot of the leg pain that runners have.
I tried it on my walking shoes and made it better for me.

[Jenn218]

Cool! Great tip...I will have to try that one too!

[RLC12345678]

YOu need to stretch the muscles in your shin before you run.

[chloeandj]

Thanks! Definately will try some insoles!

[Surfie and Tiki]

Originally Posted by YorkieMom55

I asked my BIL (retired track coach) he said that an old runner's trick is to take a pair of removable insoles from a throw-away pair of shoes and cut the heel end off and put it under the heel of the insole of your running shoes. Raising the heel just a bit will reduce alot of the leg pain that runners have.
I tried it on my walking shoes and made it better for me.

Yep! There is a site that sells something similar for people that have bad knees. It really helps according to my mom's Surgeon. I will see if I can find the info over the weekend when I'm at my parents.