What stretches should I do to avoid Shin Splints?
830559
Shin splints are impact stresses and stretching really doesn't help that much.\n\nYou need some really well cushioned shoes and to  do whatever it is you are doing on a softer flooring
185110
I used to suffer from these quite a bit as well.\n\nShin splints are associated with pain in the anterior tibia caused by overuse of the anterior tibilias muscle. They are most common in inexperienced runners or runners who overtrain. The pain is usually worsened by exertion and other factors:\n\n- Running on hard surfaces\n- Insufficient padding in the shoes \n- Over-pronated and/or flat feet can also lead to increased stress on the lower leg muscles during exercise\n- High arched feet can experience shin splint discomfort because this foot type is a poor shock absorber.\n\nThe treatment for shin splints is rest. Running and other strenuous lower limb activities should be avoided until the pain subsides and is no longer elicited by activity. In conjunction with rest, icing and anti-inflammatories may be suggested by a doctor or trainer, though there is some controversy over their effectiveness. A contributing cause of shin splints in some cases is the relative weakness of the muscles on the anterior of the lower leg compared to those in the calf. In this case exercises that preferentially strengthen the anterior muscles may help alleviate or avoid shin splints.\n\nIf you are just starting to run. Take it easy and progress into a walking program first before running. \n\nThe best advice I give you to start is change your running shoes and go to a specialized store (like the running room) which educate you on the most effective shoe for your foot and running style.\n\nA Rundown on Shin Splints\nhttp://preventdisease.com/news/articles/rundown_shin_splints.shtml
740267
wonderfull I am proud of you\nin answer-relax-running on cement or roads is very bad it will get you shin splints -very painfull\n\nstationary or moving bike is very good-and accelerated walking swinging your arms like the english do and more helps too-or on a treadmill-if you are disciplined you can do it at a health spa. thanks in Jesus care and prayer
855762
do a lot of stretching before trying them..the more you can stretch your leg muscle the easier it will be..then from a standing position slowly lower yourself towards the floor..stop when it starts to hurt the inner thy or you get a sprain (they hurt bad)..stand up stretch out and try again..you will eventually be able to go down further and further....
493931
Pretty quick ramp up. Depends on your age of course.\n\nI would back off for a week and then ease back in.\n\nIn the meantime, try the cardio machines if you can.\n\nAlso, pay very close attention to your foot mechanics. You should have a good shoe with a cushioned heel and you should land on your heel and rock forward. If you are landing on the balls of your feet, that is a big problem.\n\nMy chiropractor is a marathon runner, so he is an expert. He has a treadmill and a video setup where he can record and analyze your gait in infinite detail.\n\nHopefully a small break will fix you up, but there are some other help sources.\n\nNot to forget a google search on shin splints.
1085431
You need to stretch your calf muscles.  One way to relieve the shin splints is to crouch down and grab your knees and pull them into your chest while being on your feet.  I have had shin splints and this helped remedy the problem.
159321
It could be a combination of all the things you mention.  Pain in the shins while exercising, commonly referred to as shin splints, is a condition where there is pain in the anterior tibia caused by overuse of the anterior tibilias muscle. They are most common in inexperienced runners or runners who overtrain. The pain is usually worsened by exertion and other factors:\n\n- Running on hard surfaces\n- Insufficient padding in the shoes \n- Over-pronated and/or flat feet can also lead to increased stress on the lower leg muscles during exercise\n- High arched feet can experience shin splint discomfort because this foot type is a poor shock absorber.\n\nThe treatment for shin splints is rest. Running and other strenuous lower limb activities should be avoided until the pain subsides and is no longer elicited by activity. In conjunction with rest, icing and anti-inflammatories may be suggested by a doctor or trainer, though there is some controversy over their effectiveness. A contributing cause of shin splints in some cases is the relative weakness of the muscles on the anterior of the lower leg compared to those in the calf. In this case exercises that preferentially strengthen the anterior muscles may help alleviate or avoid shin splints.\n\nIf you are just starting to run.  Take it easy and progress into a walking program first before running.  Here are some links for progression:\n\n12-week walking schedule\nhttp://www.preventdisease.com/fitness/walking_schedule.html\n\nBeginning a Jogging Program\nhttp://preventdisease.com/fitness/fitness_jogging.html\n\nA Rundown on Shin Splints\nhttp://preventdisease.com/news/articles/rundown_shin_splints.shtml
549146
Like most recent athletic injuries, the RICE (Rest, Ice, Compress, and Elevate) method of treatment, in the early stages, is most beneficial. Rest from the activity which caused the muscle strain allows for healing to occur. Immediately following the muscle strain, ice should be applied over the painful area for 10-15 min. Periodic icing (2-3 times per day) will help to control swelling and reduce pain. Heat should not be applied to the area during the first 3-4 days since this may increase swelling and bleeding within the muscle. An elastic wrap or compressive stocking may be applied to the area to assist with swelling control. If the compressive device causes increased discomfort or "pins and needles" in any part of your leg, its probably too tight. Lying down periodically with your leg elevated allows gravity to assist with your effort to control the swelling. \nThough some experts believe early stretching to be valuable, caution should be taken early on to avoid aggressive stretching (stretching beyond the point of mild discomfort) which may hinder healing. Gentle stretching and light resistive exercise during the first few days, will help to properly align the healing muscle tissue. Following exercise, the application of ice while maintaining a stretch, not only helps to control swelling, but also helps the muscle to maintain flexibility Within a pain-free range, walking, biking, and a chair/stool pull may be implemented during the first few days. Progress these exercises, using pain during or after activity as your guide, to running, sprinting, jumping, and full athletic competition. When beginning more advanced activities such as running, avoid quick starts and stops or other ballistic movements which can cause re-injury Remember to properly warm-up and stretch before participating in athletics, and then conclude with a good stretch The most effective stretching occurs when the muscle is warm from exercise and when the stretch is held for long duration (min 30 sec.).
967529
hmmm,\n how to describe this?...\nyou go to a wall, while facing the wall, place your hands on the wall, place the foot of the shin you need to stretch behind you, about 2 feet away, place the other foot closer to the wall. then to stretch the front of the shin, (the leg that is behind you), bend your knee, don't put the knee too close to the ground, not good for your joints...\nhope this makes sense??
725145
Shin splints are most commonly caused by overpronation (foot roles in too much at the toe off phase of your gait/running motion). A neutral foot lands on the outside corner of your heel, roles inwards so that it is flat and then roles out on the angle of your toes at toe off. An overpronated foot lands on the outside of the heel, roles in flat but continues to roll in and comes off even with or inside the big toe side of the shoe. The reason this is a problem is that the muscle that is supposed to role you out at toe off (tibialis anterior muscle) is not strong enough to counter the weight of your body that has rolled your foot inwards too far. It continues to pull until it actually pulls itself off the bone where it attaches (this is what shinsplints are - shin splints are not a muscle fibre strain you are actually tearing muscle from the bone which is why it hurts so much and takes so long to heal). The reason why you didn't feel it before is because under less load (walking = less downward force and elliptical = no downward force) your body wasn't thrown into am overpronated position. Now that your are running the repetition of the overpronated state is resulting in shin splints. \nTo get rid of the shin splints you must first rest the muscle, ice wil help with the inflamation and pain. Next you need to get a really good pair of shoes designed to work with YOUR body. Just going and spending a lot of money will not gaurantee a good pair for you. It would be like buying a Ferarri for off roading - it's a great car but not for what you need. Look for a shoe that is designed for motion control. These styles have a very wide sole through the arch, are stiff if you try to "wring it out", have a very hard "heel counter" and have some type of a "medial post" (usually a dark grey foam of higher density running along the arch sie of the foot). If you aren't comfortable with these terms then go to your local running store and ask them. If they don't know these terms then walk away - they are not trained enough to assist you. A couple of models/brands that do produce some very good shoes for overpronators (motion control shoes) are Asics (gel 2100 series), Saucony (grid stable as one example) and New Balance. Do some research on their websites and they will have pictures to describe what I've talked about.
420614
FIrst, shin splints are not fractures as quoted above.  Don't let that scare you.  They are generally from overdoing it too sson though.  Good shoes are important, but also some compression will help.  You can use soccer socks that are too small for you.  As long as they cover the painful area and squeeze you calf and shin a bit.  Also, ice them down as soon as you finish running.  Use the little 4 oz bathroom cups, fill them with water and freeze them.  Ice your whins with them tearing away the paper on the cup as it melts.  Use the whole cup.  Lastly, exercise those muscles that hurt.  Stand on a bottom stair on your heals with your arch and forefoot hanging over the edge.  Hold on for balance if you need to.  Allow your toes to lower toward the floor and then pull them all the way back up within a few reps you should feel those muscles in the front of your shin working.  Time yourself, if you can do it continuously for 30 seconds, then you rest an equal time (30 seconds in this case) and do it again.  Do 3 sets. Do these on a day you don't run, or after running, never before and ice afterward, just like after having run.
31849
First you have to warm up with a little of cardio like jumping jacks or running because the muscles are still stiff and you need to "warm them up".  This prevents strains.  Well, then after that you can stretch.
1154594
stand with your back against the wall, lift your toes up so that you are standing on your heels. hold for 2-3 seconds and repeat. Do this for 3-5 sets of 12 -15 reps. This is not an immediate cure, but will build the muscles in the front part of the shin and will reduce shin splints over time. Also remember to stretch thoroughly
677501
i know they cause knee problems so it'll probably cause shin splints too. wear tennis shoes, they're comfy & they don't hurt your feet
187092
I would use a heating pad and massage. You can avoid this by warming up before stretching or exercising. Drink a lot of water.
115584
It is known as RICE - rest, ice, compression, and elevation.\n\nRest is the most important part of healing shin splints.  When you start walking, or running again, start gradally and don't overdo it.  Shin splints are often caused by overuse, and also by worn out running shoes.  Running on really hard surfaces also contributes to shin splints.  Taking an anti-inflammatory med can help with the pain.\n\nTake care.  I hope you get well soon.
481671
Because most Nikes are crap. Only people with perfect mechanics can get away without getting injured. Take it from me, the main cause of shin splints is overpronation. You probably need a mid-stability shoe that prevents your foot from torquing in. Most people who run fall into this category. Try your local running store to get a proper fit. Or, go buy the Brooks Adrenaline.