While running is a fantastic way to get in exercise and relieve stress, there’s a downside to this fun and useful sport. Shin Splints can come on if you’re not careful and they can stop your running progress in its tracks. To prevent shin splints or cure them if you’re already suffering, here are a few tips you can use to keep the pain away. Check these tips out so that you can stay running as long as you like.
Keep a Check on Mileage
Be sure you do not increase your mileage you run by too much too fast. This can cause you to have shin splints in no time. The rule of thumb is to only increase the mileage you run by around 10% a week. That is a safe increase during your exercise.
The Right Shoes
In this sport, shoes are everything. They can either make or break your running career. Make sure that the shoes you wear are cushioned properly and fit your feet just right. If they do not fit correctly you can end up with blisters or sores on your feet, plus the possibility of painful shin splints. Both of these running injuries can keep you from moving forward in your running plan. Be sure to protect yourself by having the proper running shoes.
Stretch and Strengthen
Make sure that you stretch properly before running. A good stretch can help to prevent the normal imbalance between your calves and your shins. Make sure that before and after you are giving yourself plenty of time to warm up and stretch those muscles to prevent any running injuries.
Take it Easy
Take it easy when it comes to adding in inclines, running on flat tracks, and your speed. You don’t have to be a speed runner to start off with. Keep it slow and steady to increase your speed properly over the time you run. Slowly increasing speed and your hills will help you to prevent injuries and the painful shin splints that can come out of nowhere.
Tips if You Already Have Shin Splints
Sometimes no matter how careful you are, splints will happen. So to help yourself heal better, here are a few tips. Make sure you keep ice on your shins to help reduce swelling and inflammation. Consider taking an anti-inflammatory while you’re dealing with the pain. Also get plenty of rest and let your body heal itself. Once your shin splints are healed you can get back to running!
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