Shin Pain

[Forksref]

Originally Posted by bas2456

I get pain in my shins, may be shin splints. Not sure what causes them, but it makes running up and down the court a chore.

Anyone have similar pains? What did you do to help the pain besides Advil?

Better arch support. I don't mean an entire sole insert. I mean build up the arch of the shoe and it will help immensely.

[bas2456]

Originally Posted by Forksref

Better arch support. I don't mean an entire sole insert. I mean build up the arch of the shoe and it will help immensely.

How do I go about doing that?

[VTOfficial]

Try doing some stretching as well to keep those muscles loose. I do a stretch where I get on my knees and then sit down on my shins while pointing my toes back behind me...that's the best way I can describe it. You should feel it through the lower half of you shins and you should do it on a soft floor. Hold the stretch for about 30 seconds and repeat 2-3 times.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by VTOfficial

Try doing some stretching as well to keep those muscles loose. I do a stretch where I get on my knees and then sit down on my shins while pointing my toes back behind me...that's the best way I can describe it. You should feel it through the lower half of you shins and you should do it on a soft floor. Hold the stretch for about 30 seconds and repeat 2-3 times.

Agreed.

Also, walk around on your heels for 25-30 steps and then your toes for 25-30 steps. Repeat. (This is an exercise to do at home as well).

Do calf stretches and then calf raises (holding the raise just as you would for a calf stretch).

[jdw3018]

Originally Posted by bas2456

How do I go about doing that?

I'd got to a running store. Tell them about the pain you're having and bring your shoes. Would not be surprised if you're an over-pronator (the majority of us are) and Nikes for sure, and depending on the type of New Balance also, don't provide a lot of stability for pronation. A good running store (not a Foot Locker, but something like Fleet Feet or Run In) will be able to help you find a better shoe and/or the appropriate inserts that will help you.

I use inserts called Superfeet. They have saved me a lot of pain.

"Squishy" will not necessarily help. It may help, it may hurt. You may need something very firm in the arch. Get to the running store, ask them to if they can do a gait analysis. You won't regret it.

[hoopguy]

This REALLY works. I have no affiliation with this guy except it REALLY works. My daughter has huge shin splints problems and we spent hundreds of dollars on doctors and PT and inserts and it did nothing. I figured for the cost of one PT session we wouldl give it a try. This cures the problem.

Contact
[email protected] for his book. I think it was $25 when I bought it. I would give you his website but can't find it now.

[chartrusepengui]

I have a device called pro-stretch I carry in my bag. It is flat on one side with a heel cup and the other side is curved from toe to heel (half circle). You rock back to stretch achilles and calf, but, then go forward as well. This really helps the front part of ankle and since I started using it I have not had any shin problems at all - whereas before using it I always seemed to have pain. I got it from a catalog I got from a physical therapist. I do a lot of stretching prior to every game. Device isn't cheap - I think I paid around $50 for it but I now have guys who have tried it asking if they can use it when we are at the same site. Several others have purchased them and carry in bag.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by chartrusepengui

I have a device called pro-stretch I carry in my bag.

I use mine to treat my Plantar fasciitis. It also works well for Achilles tendonitis. I highly recommend it.