Constant Shin Pain?

[PhuturePriest]

Ever since I've gotten to seminary I've had (what I thought were) daily shin splints. This would make sense as every day for class I have to walk up a huge cement staircase, and I thought it would wear off after a while, but it's been three months now and I'm still having problems. Can shin splints be this frequent, or is there something worse underlying the pain?

Today I had to walk tenderly down the aforementioned steps as doing so quickly caused notable pain, which is what caused me to write this.

[WhiteLily]

Maybe it's your shoes? Sometimes the wrong shoe can cause shin splints in me. 

[cappie]

I had them a few weeks ago...I walk 70-90kms a week. 

There's no way to say exactly when your shin splints will go away. It depends on what's causing them. People also heal at different rates; 3 to 6 months is not unusual.

Go to physical therapy to identify and treat issues in your back or legs that may be causing shin splints. A therapist can also help ease the pain. Rare cases need surgery, such as if you have a severe stress fracture that caused your shin splints.

[Amppax]

Are you walking much more living on campus than before? I know that was the case for me, and I would have pain there from time to time. 

[Gabriela]

[PhuturePriest]

8 hours ago, Amppax said:

Are you walking much more living on campus than before? I know that was the case for me, and I would have pain there from time to time. 

Yeah, I'm definitely doing a lot more walking than I was before. It's just weird that I'm still having issues three months in.

[Anomaly]

6 minutes ago, PhuturePriest said:

Yeah, I'm definitely doing a lot more walking than I was before. It's just weird that I'm still having issues three months in.

Go to WebMD and read about shin splints.   Even as young and without significant health issues as you are, you'll get them from new, regular activity from walking.  My kids are runners and get them sometimes, especially after extended periods of inactivity.  

Rest, ice, Motrin.  But Still Keep Active!! They will eventually go away. It is most likely your muscles reacting to the new activity.  They will accommodate, lengthen and strengthen.  

[dominicansoul]

Eat more bananas...

[Makarioi]

19 hours ago, cappie said:

I had them a few weeks ago...I walk 70-90kms a week. 

There's no way to say exactly when your shin splints will go away. It depends on what's causing them. People also heal at different rates; 3 to 6 months is not unusual.

Go to physical therapy to identify and treat issues in your back or legs that may be causing shin splints. A therapist can also help ease the pain. Rare cases need surgery, such as if you have a severe stress fracture that caused your shin splints.

Cappie is right.  I would ask your doctor about it being they've lasted this long.  Have you tried anti inflammatories such as Advil (ibuprofen or Aleve (naproxen)?  What about a support sock up to your knee? Are there elevators you can take instead? 

[PhuturePriest]

9 hours ago, dominicansoul said:

Eat more bananas...

I am not being facetious when I say I would rather stab myself in the thigh than eat a banana.

22 minutes ago, Makarioi said:

Cappie is right.  I would ask your doctor about it being they've lasted this long.  Have you tried anti inflammatories such as Advil (ibuprofen or Aleve (naproxen)?  What about a support sock up to your knee? Are there elevators you can take instead? 

I'm afraid going to the doctor isn't really an option unless it's an emergency. I haven't tried anti-inflammatories yet, but I'll definitely consider it at this point. There are unfortunately no elevators, but given how huge this hill is I have tried all in my power for months now to convince my rector to install a ski lift.

[hotpink]

18 hours ago, PhuturePriest said:

I am not being facetious when I say I would rather stab myself in the thigh than eat a banana.

 

 

Can you speak to the cook or the team that prepares food at the seminary?  You've mentioned being extremely picky before.  Deficiencies in vitamins are really serious and are often the cause of muscle fatigue.  Coconut water has a decent amount of potassium, too, and the mango flavor is pretty good.

[PhuturePriest]

48 minutes ago, hotpink said:

Can you speak to the cook or the team that prepares food at the seminary?  You've mentioned being extremely picky before.  Deficiencies in vitamins are really serious and are often the cause of muscle fatigue.  Coconut water has a decent amount of potassium, too, and the mango flavor is pretty good.

Hm, interesting. I could buy vitamin supplements, if nothing else. Are there other fruits which provide the necessary vitamins to forego enduring this minor purgation?

[Credo in Deum]

You do know going to the doctor before it becomes an emergency can be cheaper than waiting until it is an emergency?!   Food for thought. 

[Quasar]

Are you wearing suitable walking shoes?  There are numerous articles and YouTube videos by physical therapists on how to choose a suitable walking shoe or running shoe, and yes, they are different.

Never underestimate the power of the right shoe.  It influences your knee and hip alignment, which influences everything from your foot to your lower back.  If you can't go to a doctor, I would start here.

Edited November 12, 2016 by Quasar

[Makarioi]

On 11/11/2016 at 9:01 AM, PhuturePriest said:

Yeah, I'm definitely doing a lot more walking than I was before. It's just weird that I'm still having issues three months in.

You're repeatedly stressing it so it's still going to hurt to the point that the pain may be continuous and might progress to a stress reaction or stress fracture. I second Credo's comment.  The physician can appoint physical therapy for you as well.