Shin Splints

I got shin splints about last week from running too much after coming back from an injury and when I went to the doctor, I was expecting him to tell me to stop running, but what I wasn't expecting is that I can't cycle for two weeks either. When he told me that I was like whaaaaaaaaaaaaat??? I now have virtually no means of getting around anywhere except walking or public transport, both of which I hate. Makes me realise how much I rely on my bike. This is going to be a really shit two weeks.

I'll give you a backie mate.
Heal up.

Most doctors dont know f'all about this kind of stuff unless they are into being physically active themselves, which in most cases they are not.

I started a bit of running a few months ago and had severe shin pain which I later found out was 'shin splints'. All you really need to do is some stretching, improve running technique and possibly get some proper running shoes. Talk to pistaboy - dan, hes a physiotherapist AND does loads of running/training.

Good running shoes are really important - they only have a lifespan of 400 miles on average, which you can clock up really quickly if you run regularly. I worked out I need to change them every 6 months ish. I started getting shin pains after running in shoes I'd had for 2 years, and learned my lesson! If you're resting for 2 weeks, you're gonna have to build up the running up slowly when you get back into it, otherwise you might have the same problem of overdoing it again, especially as your legs won't be used to the same intensity of weight-bearing.

Shoes arent a end all solution, they are the quickest way to feel a difference though. With perfect technique people run marathons barefoot. Also, professional spiked athletic shoes are hard with little in the way of cushioning.

Cycling gives you stronger calves, quads (= muscle imbalance) and doesnt help develop the flexibilty or technique to run properly.