shin splints?

[thomas]

everytime i go running i seem to get shin splints,i am sure that this is down to wearing the wrong running shoes,could anyone help and tell which trainers i should be wearing?

[paul_r]

Could well be your running shoes.

It's impossible to give specific advice without someone looking at your feet. As a first step you should have that done at a good running shoe specialist (naturally that could be us, as it's one of our strengths :whistling: ).

In fact we have a gait analysis day this coming Saturday. At this we'll have an Asics expert available who will video your feet on a treadmill and this is analysed by computer on the spot. From that he'll be able to show you what's happening when you run, and what type of support is right for you. Many many people find this a huge help in getting the right footwear.

A bit more info HERE (http://www.visport.co.uk/news/26/asics-free-gait-assessment). You can register online to book your gait analysis, or call the shop on 02890 701 333. It takes about 20 minutes to do the analysis and discuss it with you and it's time well spent if you do any amount of running at all. The gait analysis is free.

If you're still concerned after that you should consider going to a podiatrist. We could recommend one or two if necessary.

[thomas]

cant make it this weekend, but i hear asics are the best runners to buy,will they becoming back to the shop any time soon? thank you

[paul_r]

Asics are certainly up among the top 2 or 3 technical footwear manufacturers, and my personal fafourite at present.

We don't have the next full video gait analysis day planned yet but our own staff are very well trained in assessing your feet and can offer good advice, even without the video analysis. In fact quite a few physios refer serious and professional athletes to us for their footwear for this very reason.

So you can come along any time for that. Bring your existing trainers with you too as the wear pattern can give a good indication of what's happening to your feet now.

[jimbo]

Hi thomas,

I have suffered for years from recurring shin splints, to the point of giving up on training all together. However, I have recently visited a podiatrist and discovered that the problem was down to my physiology and how I actually move my feet rather than the footwear I use.

I was measured up for orthotic insoles to prevent my feet from over-pronating (rolling flat on the insole putting undue pressure on my shins and lower back) and I am happy to say that, though it is still early days, my shin pain has gone. It wasn't a cheap solution (£200) but has a lifetime guarantee and has worked for several other people I know with a variety of other injuries too.

It really depends on how badly you suffer but it may be worth looking into....

[paul_r]

Hi thomas,

I have suffered for years from recurring shin splints, to the point of giving up on training all together. However, I have recently visited a podiatrist and discovered that the problem was down to my physiology and how I actually move my feet rather than the footwear I use.

I was measured up for orthotic insoles to prevent my feet from over-pronating (rolling flat on the insole putting undue pressure on my shins and lower back) and I am happy to say that, though it is still early days, my shin pain has gone. It wasn't a cheap solution (£200) but has a lifetime guarantee and has worked for several other people I know with a variety of other injuries too.

It really depends on how badly you suffer but it may be worth looking into....
Have you even been to a gait analysis? Orthotics are sometimes the only answer, but in many cases getting the right trainers can solve the problem. You do need decent advice if you have the sort of problem you experienced, as in a 'proper' sports shop as opposed to a fashion sports shop. Go to one of the gait analysis sessions for even more reassurance.

By 'proper' trainers I mean those that have the correct amount of support for your feet. Pronation is the first aspect we'd look for, and the better brands of trainers have a range of different levels of support to cope with the very situation you describe. Often people buy trainers that look good but aren't right for them. Cost isn't the issue at all - there is no reason why the most expensive trainers will necessarily be right for your feet. If the support isn't right for your feet, you get exactly the sort of problem you describe - alignment is all wrong, causing all sorts of problems. With the right advice, you can usually get trainers with orthotics effectively built in. These aren't any more expensive than trainers that are all wrong for your feet, and certainly not £200.

Another benefit of doing it this way is that the trainers still fit properly, as they are designed around the built in support. If you insert orthotics into trainers you will probably raise your feet out of them slightly, so they may not fit around your heel so well, for example.

I'm not suggesting that in your particular case you don't need orthotics. I have no way of knowing that. However, in most cases properly fitted trainers will sort the problem.

[helend]

Having worked with injured athletes for many years, I would tend towards the orthotics and neutral shoes option. It does depend on the level of overpronation as to whether or not a pair of trainers could give you sufficient comfort and support, but I certainly get better results with clients who go down the orthotics route.

And no, I don't make or sell them and have no financial gain to make whether the client gets orthotics or not. I just have seen many people improve greatly with the orthotics in place. They are very expensive, but definitely worth it.

HelenD