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Our user asked: "I am a runner and have been running for several years. My mileage over the last 2 years had been significantly reduced due to a meniscus tear and life changes, but about 3 1/2 months ago, I began to ease back into running on a regular basis. I had ramped up to about 4 or 5 mile long runs at a pace of 9:30 - 10:00 minutes per mile. About 6 weeks ago, I began to have significant shin pain. I bought new running shoes thinking that old shoes could be the culprit and ran pain free for a week or two (during this time I was averaging about 10-12 miles per week). Recently, the pain has come back and is severe. I have not been able to run over 3 miles without significant pain in my shins. I have been ice massaging my shins and surrounding muscle tissue, but the pain does not subside for days. The pain is mainly in my right shin and radiates from the front of my shin bone from my ankle up about to about mid shin and also into the muscle tissue on the anterior medial side of my tibia. I am wondering what other treatment I should consider? I ran 3 miles Saturday morning and had to walk intermittently due to pain - the pain persisted until Monday afternoon. I am planning to take a week long break from running and stick to other low-impact options instead, but am not sure what other measures I should take. Thank you!"
Ask a PT Response: "Taking a break from running and focusing on low impact activities is definitely a good idea. Given your bump up in training something with your body must not have been able to handle this. Deficiencies in strength at various areas such as the ankle/foot, knee and hip could result in added stresses to your lower leg as the ground forces travelling up your kinectic chain from feet to hips resulted in added stresses at your lower leg. Issues with flexiblity and hypomobile joints along with abnormal biomechanics with running could be other contributing factors as well. If you condition does not improve, itmay be a good idea to consult with a PT in your area so that he or she could assist you in developing a plan of care specific to your needs."
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