Shin Splints

[jpathak]

I get what my dad calls shin splints right behind my shin.  It's infront of my calf and makes the back of my shin feel like the muscles are squeezing it to death.  I am very careful to run with my feet rolling from my heel, to the sides, to the balls of my feet and my shoes are good and new.  Is there some way to fix this or is there any way that I can change the way I run?

[LukeL]

check out this article.

http://www.rice.edu/~jenky/sports/shin.html

[dquenzer]

There are a number of things that can help with shin splints:
1)  You should stretch out your calve muscles using an incline board or by leaning against the wall.
2)  Also stetch out the shins by putting downward pressure on your toe to stretch those shin muscles.
3)  Take ibuprofen to reduce swelling and ice after running.
4)  Try to avoid running on hard surfaces.  If you can't get gel inserts to add padding to your shoes.  
5)  Make sure your shoes are for your running style and type of foot.  Do you pronate one way or the other.  Not all shoes are for every style of runner.  Also shoes with an inflexible toe cause the foot to slam hard on the ground.  
6)  If you are running from heel to toe this isn't necessarily the best running style if you are coming down hard on the heel.  You should run light on your feet with quick light steps.  You shouldn't be able to feel the heel touch much.  If you over-stride then you might be coming down too hard on your heel.