Shin Splits! How do I stop them

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Hi all! I'm a student nurse and I graduate in December. I currently work as a CNA/Tech on a Med/Surg unit where I'm walking ALOT! I also have clinical 3-4 times a week where I'm standing most of the time. Over the past year or so I have been getting pain in my shins, that gets worse the longer I'm on my feet and I've even felt like my legs were going to give out a few times. It feels better with tylenol, and when I put heat on them, but I can't figure out how to get it to stop. I have 3 pairs of shoes that I try to alternate that are reeboks, asics, and rocketdogs that are supposed to be designed for walking. It's getting really bad, and it's scary when I have to catch myself on the counter because my shin feels like its weak. Does anybody have suggestios to help this? Does anybody else have this problem?

Thanks!

Stu_RNSOON

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

per the terms of service we can not give medical adivce.

Have you consulted with your PCP?

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Yes! and she just tells me to try to find time I can sit. I understand that you can not give medical advice, I'm more wondering if anybody has found a good pair of shoes, or knows of something else I can change.

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I used to get these playing sports and I know they can be very painful. One thing that the athletic trainers used to try was tape my lower legs. Hard to explain exactly what they did, but I was thinking compression stockings might accomplish the same thing. The idea was to kind of hold everything in place and put less stress on the involved inflammed muscles and ligaments.

If you try it, let me know how it works.

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I would also talk to someone other than a PCP. Maybe a RT or Ortho Dr and find out why you get them and if you can fix it. It may have something to do with the way you walk or your stride.

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I also went to my PCP about my shin splints from exercise - she could not help me either. Maybe ask for a referral to someone who specializes in sports injuries.

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Have you tried the compression stockings that a lot of nurses wear? They really stopped my calf pain. Danskos also helped. I :heartbeat my Danskos.

If you're really a tennis shoe individual, try going to a running or walking store for an analysis of your stride, and ask if they'd have any recommendations for you. Your shoes may just not provide enough support; I noticed increased shin pain when I needed new tennis shoes.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Please contact your healthcare provider if you are having problems for we cannot advise you properly (per Terms of Service).

Check out this forum that contains lots of information about shoes. Nursing Shoes and Footwear - Nursing for Nurses

Good luck and hope you feel better soon.

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