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I think I have shin splints, what do I do?

Discussion in 'BBS Hangout' started by RedRedemption, Mar 3, 2012.

  1. Ganda Bhai

    Ganda Bhai Member

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    I've had shin splints for about two months now too and I stopped playing basketball for a couple weeks and the pain was gone. But I recently started playing again and the pain comes back after playing basketball. So I would say rest is the best way to help shin splints. Also recommend icing which you already are doing and a sleeve for your leg.
     
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  2. RedRedemption

    RedRedemption Member

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    Thanks for the advice guys.
    Will definitely look into the ibuprofen one since not playing is last-resort for me right now.
     
  3. Rockets1988-

    Rockets1988- Member

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    I used to get shin splints alot when i was younger but my feet have gotten used to it. It will eventually just go away, its actually quite weird.
     
  4. cheke64

    cheke64 Member

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    Get your lower legs stronger by doing plyos,calf raises and calf flexion exercises.
     
  5. Johndoe804

    Johndoe804 Member

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    NOT SHIN SPLINTS! Pain at the top of the tibia that flares up when you jump or run sounds like tendonitis of the patella tendon. I'd ice them every time you do something strenuous with your knees. If you don't it can get worse to the point of a patella tear, which you don't want.
     
  6. Johndoe804

    Johndoe804 Member

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    Shin splints are normally lower on the tibia (like in the middle) and can be remedied with a good stretching routine. Particularly, stretching the ankles and calves.
     
  7. RV6

    RV6 Member

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    Actually the opposite.

    Playing basketball= repeated calf flexion = pain

    Not playing basketball=less calf flexion= less or no pain

    He's more than likely over stretching the front part of his lower leg because the rear portion is overworked (tight). That's why i asked about his squatting form on the previous page.

    He needs to do the opposite to even things up.




    And i agree with the previous poster who said shin splints are lower. Top of the tibia or right below the knee cap is too high. Either way, the cause should be the same thing and so is the treatment. Instead of stretching though, i'd strengthen the opposing movement. Then, body will do the necessary "stretching" on it's own and more carefully than you can with traditional stretching.
     
  8. RedRedemption

    RedRedemption Member

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    Well that's not good. Its about 1 and 1/2 inches below the knee cap. Its the top of the tibia.

    I don't do dumbbell squats btw. I work out mainly using machines... I also play a LOT of basketball. Lol.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patellar_tendinitis

    Actually. I think I have Patellar Tendinitis...
    Symptoms are spot on.

    [​IMG]

    This picture is spot on... The bottom area red spot that they have marked is the place where I think I'm experiencing pain.
     
    #28 RedRedemption, Mar 4, 2012
    Last edited: Mar 4, 2012
  9. mvpcrossxover

    mvpcrossxover Member

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    Still recovering from a high ankle sprained.

    Injuries suck! Still playing though. Gotta get me a ankle brace:(
     
  10. RedRedemption

    RedRedemption Member

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    High ankle sprains are horrible haha.
    I got an ankle sprain before that led me to not being able to walk for weeks.

    I'm starting to rack up injuries. :(
    This sucks. Now I know how Greg Oden feels. LOL.
     
  11. faraza84

    faraza84 Member

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    Use compression sleeves, rest, ice and nsaIds. I've been to orthopedic docs and there is a test they can do dealing with pressure and inserting something in your bone to get some values but it's not really gonna do anything but make it temporarily worse. I had really bad shin splints in college because a Ton of basketball but honestly rest is your option. I remember I stopped for 6 months and did some pool work and I still had pain but wow I totally stopped and just focused on weight lifting and it's been a long time and I've never had that pain again even though I picked up playing more ball. Also make sure you have proper shoes and thick socks stretching. If it continues go to the doc. Could be the occasional runners knee and if worse comes to worse it could be bone rumors. There very common around the knee areas. But if you've been excessively playing ball I wouldn't worry about anything serious. Just giving you all the differentials.
     
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  12. FranchiseBlade

    Supporting Member

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    If you can stretch it, it helps a little.

    Find some stairs. Bend your leg as if you were going to walk up the stair, but not quite high enough. Place the front of your foot against the part of the step perpendicular to the ground. Then press it forward so that it stretches around the front part of your leg.

    That plus ice and rest will help.
     
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  13. DOMINATOR

    DOMINATOR Member

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  14. RedRedemption

    RedRedemption Member

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    I think I'll try to do that. Thanks!
     
  15. DOMINATOR

    DOMINATOR Member

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    oh, knee pain. like someone said earlier whats your squat look like? can you go all the way down full range of motion, hamstring touching calf. does your knee move inward or forward when pressing up?

    http://www.mobilitywod.com/2010/09/episode-33-fgb-push-press-prep-hot.html
     
  16. RV6

    RV6 Member

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    I love that site ^^ I'm almost done watching them all ...
     
  17. Johndoe804

    Johndoe804 Member

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    I'm an expert on this. :cool::cool::cool:

    Good luck with that! It blows, I know.
     
  18. lean

    lean Member

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    I've dealt with shin splints a lot but for me it's a pain more in the middle part of the tibia that goes away with rest. So imo the pain you are describing isn't shin splints if it's up by your knee, probably tenditis or something like others have said. Just my 2 cents, hope you find a solution, for me it has always been to just take a few days off from basketball.
     
  19. peterrkim

    peterrkim Member

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    i've had shin splints once during college

    they feel exactly as described. feels like your shins are being split in half when you're running around. took about 1-2 weeks of no running and getting back to it slowly. seems like you have more of jumpers knee or some other problem that i do not know how to explain. but rest is always best when it comes to ballin injuries.
     
  20. MightyMouse

    MightyMouse Member

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    As a runner in high school the best way for shin splints is icing them and stretching them. A good way is to get a paper cup and fill it water and freeze it and then tear off the paper and massage the area with the ice.

    However based on where you say the pain is I don't think that's shin splints, it could either be growing pains or I've read that knee problems come from not enough support. Whether that be your shoes or not enough muscle for your body frame.
     

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