Browse by category
You can also browse all questions by category.
alicesayles
Question:
Which doctor is right about Shin splints? Please help me!!!
Asked by alicesayles - 4 answers - 8 weeks 5 days ago
Ok, i started Athletics about a year ago, and since then my athletics coach has told me i have shin splints due to me growing and she reccomended i see a doctor for further information.
The first doctor i visited said that it is very common, and that rest and ice would help and that it was mostly to do with me growing.
I then applied ice and rested my legs for 2 months, doing only swimming and a little cycling, and it just came back, more worse than before.
I then went to a College nearby me, where some trainee physiotherapists had a look at my legs, they had a look at my alignment and said i have under pronation (my feet roll inwards) they also said when i run my knees knock together quite frequently and that when i stand normally, my knees point slightly inwards and my hips are at an angle to my knees which is lower than average. They reccomended i see a doctor, and get him to refer me to an orthopedist.
I went to see another doctor who told me my shin splints would be most likely caused by me growing. He then went on to say that if i carried on running it would not damage anything, if i applied ice to reduce imflammation.
I was astonished by the varied opinion of the two doctors. I believe the second is right but which one is talking the truth?
Also, after the 2 months of rest, when i did my first proper training session, my shins where worse than they have ever been and i can honestly say i believe the 2 month rest period was a waste of time.
regev landau
my answear is simple, chances are everyone you talked to is right, both doctors basicaly gave you the same diagnosis and the physical therapist told you of a problem with the alignment of your legs that could increase your chance of developing a veriety of strain injuries (including the one that had you going to the doctor).
Submitted 8 weeks 5 days ago by regev landaunow, it seems that both doctors suggested a different course of action to deal with the same injury, both courses are ligitimate depending on your condition.
if you are still having pain in your legs while running and the pain fits the description of shin splints you should not run while in pain, running while suffering from shin splints will only increase the problem and make it harder to treat.
also, if you are stil having pain while running you should go back to your doctor (one of the doctors that has already seen you) and ask him for a better solution. there are some things you can do to try and evoid getting shin splints again and again and your doctor can help you.
EnduranceRun
Why not try another sport with less impact whilst you are growing? You are obviously young and have your whole life to dedicate to running. I had knee problems when growing and had to take time out until I finally reached 6ft 2in. I then continued my running and have since run under 4mins for the mile!
Aqua jogging is always good for staying of your feet for a bit (can get boring tho so do some structured sessions).
A word of advice: Basketball players never get shin splints because they do a lot of backwards running which protects them against the condition!
Tom
Submitted 8 weeks 3 days ago by EnduranceRunsldc
There are no wrong answers, chances are that there are a couple of factors that are causing your shin splints.
Submitted 8 weeks 3 days ago by sldcI understand you must be getting very frustrated and confused. My suggestion is to get some hands on treatment as rest has been no help, especially to your lower leg muscles. and any other muscles that are tight ie quads,hamstrings,psoas and the gluts. I would be reluctant to do too much with your feet as you are still in your growing phase, it would be last resort for me.
Go and see a sports injuries specialist (Chiropractic,Physio,Osteopath or Sport therapy) www.chirosport.org for sports chiropractors, and do a search for one in your local area. Where are you based,might be able to reccomend someone.
If you have an questions please don't hesitate to ask
lchimi10
Also remember that once you fell you're ready to get back to your running, then build up your training very gradually.
Submitted 6 weeks 5 days ago by lchimi10