Any PTs out there...running question

keke2402 Posted: May 01, 2003 09:36 AM

Any PTs out there...running question

I recently started jogging and pulled my shins really badly I stretch a lot before, does anyone know what causes this??? Is it shin splints???

MarcellaBella Posted: May 01, 2003 02:38 PM

Re: Any PTs out there...running question

i'm not a PT, but I get the same thing.. it's tendonitis.. do you have an arch by any chance? I usually get rid of it by taping up my ankles..

keke2402 Posted: May 01, 2003 02:55 PM

Re: Any PTs out there...running question

what do you tape them with? I'm new to this whole running thing

smooch Posted: May 01, 2003 08:45 PM

Re: Any PTs out there...running question

Be careful of taping, ladies. I've been running since the day I was born and I've had most of the common injuries. Taping only masks the symptons, it doesn't heal them. Think of it like having a stick that is breaking. Tape would hold it together, but it's still a weak stick.

What you are saying, you 'pulled' your shins? Can you pinpoint the exact moment you 'pulled' them, or has the pain come on gradually? If you can pinpoint, then it's not shinsplints nor tendonitis. Both come on gradually.

Stretching will help to prevent injury, but will do nothing once you are injured. You need to build up your shin muscles. Get a dish towel. Sit on the couch, feet on the floor. Lay the dish towel on the floor in front of one foot. With your toes, grab the end of the towel and inch it toward you using your toes only. Do this for both feet several times a night. This will build up your shin muscles.

keke2402 Posted: May 02, 2003 10:29 AM

Re: Any PTs out there...running question

Thanks...It wasn't a 'pull' that happened at a specific time, just gradually began hurting while running, and got worse after I stopped. I'll try that stretch with the towel. Is it better to run on the balls of your feet or heel-to-toe?

smooch Posted: May 02, 2003 10:34 AM

Re: Any PTs out there...running question

Some people run on the balls of your feet, others heel-to-toe. It's part of your own running technique, so whatever you do is good for you. Your body knows how to run in a way best for itself. Any runner will tell you that to try to change your technique is not only nearly impossible, but probably bad for you too. That said, for shins, heel-to-toe will lessen the direct impact, but running on toes only (which is what I do unless I'm running a really long run) is okay too.

Defintely try the towel. Be sure to stretch. It sounds to me like you have shin splints. They take a long time to go away, but once you build up those shin muscles, you will feel much much better!

smooch Posted: May 02, 2003 10:36 AM

Re: Any PTs out there...running question

Also, if you feel the dish towel isn't doing it for you, you can take a big tube sock, fill it with coins and do the same with that. As it becomes easier, add more coins to add more weight!

keke2402 Posted: May 02, 2003 10:44 AM

Re: Any PTs out there...running question

Thanks a lot for your help. I'm starting out slow, but I'm determined to become a runner!! When I was younger, I had bad asthma, but its gotten a lot better and its something I've always wished I could do. If you have any other advice, I'd be happy to hear it.

smooch Posted: May 02, 2003 11:07 AM

Re: Any PTs out there...running question

The best running advice I can give is GET GOOD RUNNING SHOES! If you go to a real running store, like Super Runners Shop (both in the city at several locations and in Huntington on New York Ave) or Runner's Edge (in Farmingdale on Main St) the employees there are runners or trained in helping runners find the right shoe. They are VERY knowledgable and very helpful.

Also be sure to change your shoes every 500 miles, no later than that!!! The more you run, the more you break down the support and cushioning which are essential to staying healthy so you can spend $70 on a new pair of shoes!