Help - Shin splints
 

Lately when I have been doing my aerobic workout (jazzercize with some strength training) my shins and knees start to hurt. I have tried shoe inserts thinking that that may help...........it helped some with the shins, but then my feet and ankles started to feel it. Would Glucosamine/Chondroitin/MSM help this any? and any suggestions on good footwear? Even though my heart rate gets up there and I break a serious sweat, I feel that if there wasn't any pain, I could do so much more.

Maybe this isn’t the answer you were looking for, but I’m no shoe expert and don’t know anything about supplements, sorry! Would you consider trying a lower impact activity? I’ve tried to take up jogging a couple times but always give up due to shin/knee/hip/lower back pain. Instead I went back to my old standby, swimming, and took up working out on the elliptical and taking the dog for longer walks. I also do some weight training, yoga and water aerobics, try a few things out and you may find something that can really push your heart rate up and keep it there without any discomfort. Once you lose a bit more and there is less stress on your joints and bones you might find that higher impact workouts like jazzercise don’t cause you any pain. I will probably try to take up jogging again once I’ve dropped some more weight and see if there’s any difference.

I can't say why or how you are getting shin splints but my gym instructor gave us this stretch to do to help them.

Stand with both feet on a step bench or the stairs. One foot at a time, point your toes on one foot down past the edge of the step. The pointing of the toes and pressing against the step edge will stretch the shin muscle. Hold for 20 seconds, pause and do again. Hope this helps!!

Here is a good article on prevention and cure for shin splints

Thanks
 

For starters, I am going to buy new shoes - cross trainers or aerobic shoes with good support. Also, until I know that I can keep it under control, I am going to do slightly different moves than the rest of the class (they actually encourage this). Also, I agree, I need to stretch everyday. I sit alot on my job, but I need to get up periodically and stretch.

Thanks to all for your suggestions.

Beth -- What will help is to ice the area after your workout...