I have shin splints but will begin work on monday

I recently developed some pretty bad shin splints this past wednesday or so. I've been resting them and icing them nightly, but they only seem to be getting slightly better. The bigger problem is I'll be starting work with the forest service on an engine as a wildland firefighter (fresh rookie), and there are PT workouts that we do several times a week that involve running. I start work on Monday, so I'm literally down to one day.

Any suggestions on what to do about this? What should I tell my captain? How lenient are these guys usually about these types of situations? i'm willing to do other types of workouts in lieu of this but I really need to rest these shins for probably at least another week before I'll be able to run again.

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Originally Posted by ygarrard

I recently developed some pretty bad shin splints this past wednesday or so. I've been resting them and icing them nightly, but they only seem to be getting slightly better. The bigger problem is I'll be starting work with the forest service on an engine as a wildland firefighter (fresh rookie), and there are PT workouts that we do several times a week that involve running. I start work on Monday, so I'm literally down to one day.

Any suggestions on what to do about this? What should I tell my captain? How lenient are these guys usually about these types of situations? i'm willing to do other types of workouts in lieu of this but I really need to rest these shins for probably at least another week before I'll be able to run again.

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I think I'd develop those shinsplints during or after the PT workout.

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Originally Posted by ygarrard

I recently developed some pretty bad shin splints this past wednesday or so.

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What changed on Wednesday?

Have you gotten new shoes? I started getting (minor) shin splints late in my academy, and with what I know now I think it was because my stupid shoes were worn out.

I havent gotten new shoes yet. The main culprit I think was when I went hiking to break in my new boots. I think I took i t a little too hard, too fast, and that abrupt change caused them. I will definitely be getting new shoes soon though.

So ChiefKN, that's not a bad idea, I might actually do that. Otherwise I'll look like the whiny new guy trying to get out of doing PT.

Go get ortotics, not the BS ones from walmart, get custom made ones! Also, stretch your calf muscles. Shin Splints are from micro tears in this muscle, so nice easy stretches....don't bounce. Also, get a shoe from New Blance. Running shoe, not anything else, a running shoe with motion control. When you get the orthotics, find out how your foot is made up.....flat, high inset, etc etc. and get the shoe that will work for your foot.

I had bad shin splits too. And I suffered in my academy. But once I changed my shoe and got orthotics, it got much much better. I had to spend almost $300 for everything though, and was left with $5 in my bank account when I did it way back when....but it was well worth it.

To this day, I have a set of orthotics in my runnning shoes and my buncker boots....best move ever.

And back then, shoes were made of wood and the flesh of your enemies!

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Originally Posted by VinnieB

Go get ortotics, not the BS ones from walmart, get custom made ones! Also, stretch your calf muscles. Shin Splints are from micro tears in this muscle, so nice easy stretches....don't bounce. Also, get a shoe from New Blance. Running shoe, not anything else, a running shoe with motion control. When you get the orthotics, find out how your foot is made up.....flat, high inset, etc etc. and get the shoe that will work for your foot.

I had bad shin splits too. And I suffered in my academy. But once I changed my shoe and got orthotics, it got much much better. I had to spend almost $300 for everything though, and was left with $5 in my bank account when I did it way back when....but it was well worth it.

To this day, I have a set of orthotics in my runnning shoes and my buncker boots....best move ever.

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OH yea, I have almost custom orthotics in all my shoes.

They also help to keep your feet warm in the winter by putting a little buffer between your foot and the cold hard ground.

I have been working with a herniated disk in my back for the past three weeks. Get surgery this week so I am finaly taking this week off. And went through a swiftwater tech refresher the week prior. Shin splints; no offense but man up cowboy.

I have found that sitting in a hot bath and stretching helps me alot.. But since I took up cycling I have had no more problems with my legs, knees or back, 30-50 miles 2-3 times a week.

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Originally Posted by FiremanLyman

I have been working with a herniated disk in my back for the past three weeks. Get surgery this week so I am finaly taking this week off. And went through a swiftwater tech refresher the week prior. Shin splints; no offense but man up cowboy.

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Man....don't turn this into a pi--ing contest, please. The guy's just asking for a solution to his problem, not a "how tough are you?" contest.

Anyways.....I'd look into the orthotics. Might be your best bet. I also agree with the stretching....slow and low, don't bounce or make jerky moves.

Pete

Thanks for the replies guys. I've definitely been stretching a lot, as well as doing toe taps, and other small exercises to strengthen my shin muscles.

Hopefully this problem resolves itself before the fire season gets going.

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Originally Posted by FiremanLyman

I have been working with a herniated disk in my back for the past three weeks. Get surgery this week so I am finaly taking this week off. And went through a swiftwater tech refresher the week prior. Shin splints; no offense but man up cowboy.

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2 completely different types of pain.

Ive had both.

@OP, just get those muscles trained buddy, you will be right in no time!

Asics also has an excellant running shoe. Get the Kayano 15 or 16. Each is about $140.00, but well worth it...and I hate running!!

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Originally Posted by sweetpete

Man....don't turn this into a pi--ing contest,

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I doubt he ****es out of his spine.

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Originally Posted by Itshotinhere

I have found that sitting in a hot bath and stretching helps me alot.. But since I took up cycling I have had no more problems with my legs, knees or back, 30-50 miles 2-3 times a week.

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Don't forget the Mr. Bubble!