Shin splints 4 weeks before 1st marathon

Injury/Nutrition Shins

9 years ago 09/15/2014 5:07pm EDT

I know, I know...probably bio-mechanical and over training. BUT - 50 year old female, small frame (5'5"" and 123#). Been running for nearly 20 years (typically 3-4 miles a day, 4-5 days per week). I wear custom orthotics and buy my shoes at the local running store (support local small business owners!). Started training plan the beginning of July to run the Portland Marathon (my first) on October 5. Miles have been logged on paved roads and paved paths.

Thursday Sept 4 I run 8 miles with tightness/light pain in my left lower leg. It seems to work its way out as I run. Saturday I run 5 - it's more noticeable but I can "run through it" and finish in my normal time. Saturday is normally a rest day, but schedule had to be modified. Sunday I intend to run 13 and wisely stop after 3: the pain is much more intense and definitely affecting my gait. Doesn't hurt when I walk, worse up and down stairs, and tender to the touch along the bone. Haven't been to the doc. Self diagnosis = shin splints. RICE for the last week and stationary bike.

13 was my last long run and before that 19,13,18,17 the Sundays prior (normally with a "rest" day on Saturday before). Was scheduled for 20 this past Sunday and passed. Frustrated that I had to abandon my training schedule so close to the Marathon.

So the questions:

First thing I need is reassurance. I wisely didn't have a time goal for my first marathon - but would really like to be able to achieve as I have visualized (running 10:1 intervals and finishing feeling good).

When can I run again? Hoping to do a light 3 miles on the treadmill tomorrow which is less than the 5 I have scheduled.

Compression sleeves: Do they work?

KT Tape: does it work?

Any tips for getting me to the start line and through the finish chute?

Thanks!

9 years ago 09/15/2014 6:31pm EDT

re: Ms_ajm

Are you sure its shin splits? Shin splints are an injury for novices. They are one of the few injuries that you run through. You back off and keep running while the bone adapts to the loads you are putting on it.

Have you changed your stride recently? Any chance you are overstriding? A shorter stride will reduce tibial bone strain (shin splints).

9 years ago 09/16/2014 2:44pm EDT

re: random3

Funny you should ask, random3, but have been wondering if it might be something else.

The day before I first felt the pain, I was boarding a bus and fell backward awkwardly with my left leg - just above the ankle - in the closing bus door. So it's possible I strained a muscle while falling (wasn't sure which "cheek" I landed on until the following morning when it was obvious it was the left!). There wasn't and hasn't been any bruising which is kind of odd as I bruise fairly easily.

Maybe a strain? Or a tear? Only muscle around there is the solues and I've ready those injuries are typically felt in the back of the leg in the calf area. My pain is on the inside of my tibia about 2/3rd up from my ankle and before my knee.

I got on the treadmill for 40 minutes this morning instead of hard pavement alternating walking and slow running for less than 3 miles. I definitely felt it, but I was able to run through it. Had it wrapped in a compression bandage and iced it in a wrapped compression after I was done.

Yes, as I changed my pace and or stride it changed the level of discomfort.

For what it's worth, I called my shoe store and asked when I picked up my last pair of runners (same shoe I had prior so no change there) and checked my running log. I have only put about 160 miles on them and the left (there it is again!) shoe has worn nearly through the first layer of tread on the outside of the ball of my foot. Unusual. So yes, could be some funky stride thing.

So new questions:

Can I tell if it is a strain or a tear without imaging?

If it is a strain or a tear, can I run on it?

Will taping help if a strain or a tear?

Back on the stationary bike tomorrow then I'll see how it feels before trying on the treadmill again on Thursday where I will continue intervals and focus on shorter stride with quick turnover.

9 years ago 09/16/2014 2:47pm EDT

re: Ms_ajm

"Shin splints are an injury for novices. They are one of the few injuries that you run through"Ignore this idiotic advice, it is a recipe for disaster. The term "shin splints" is meaningless, since pain in the lower leg can be caused by over 200 ailments.Go to the doctor and have them examine your lower legs to ensure it isn't something serious. Do not rely on the advice of a shoe store or some random letsrunner (including me).

Ms_ajm wrote:
Funny you should ask, random3, but have been wondering if it might be something else.
The day before I first felt the pain, I was boarding a bus and fell backward awkwardly with my left leg - just above the ankle - in the closing bus door. So it's possible I strained a muscle while falling (wasn't sure which "cheek" I landed on until the following morning when it was obvious it was the left!). There wasn't and hasn't been any bruising which is kind of odd as I bruise fairly easily.
Maybe a strain? Or a tear? Only muscle around there is the solues and I've ready those injuries are typically felt in the back of the leg in the calf area. My pain is on the inside of my tibia about 2/3rd up from my ankle and before my knee.
I got on the treadmill for 40 minutes this morning instead of hard pavement alternating walking and slow running for less than 3 miles. I definitely felt it, but I was able to run through it. Had it wrapped in a compression bandage and iced it in a wrapped compression after I was done.
Yes, as I changed my pace and or stride it changed the level of discomfort.
For what it's worth, I called my shoe store and asked when I picked up my last pair of runners (same shoe I had prior so no change there) and checked my running log. I have only put about 160 miles on them and the left (there it is again!) shoe has worn nearly through the first layer of tread on the outside of the ball of my foot. Unusual. So yes, could be some funky stride thing.
So new questions:
Can I tell if it is a strain or a tear without imaging?
If it is a strain or a tear, can I run on it?
Will taping help if a strain or a tear?
Back on the stationary bike tomorrow then I'll see how it feels before trying on the treadmill again on Thursday where I will continue intervals and focus on shorter stride with quick turnover.

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Shin splints 4 weeks before 1st marathon

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