Joggers/runners - anyone have shin splints and asthma?

In junior high school, I was on the track team and loved to run and compete. However, I developed shin splints and either my coach didn't care to deal with it or was just ignorant - instead of trying to work through it somehow, I quit.

I really miss it and think I could enjoy it again. My shins are bumpy with shin splints and I also have asthma that crops up when I exercise a lot or in the winter.

So... With all this, do you think there's a chance that I could still become a jogger again? I've read that the right shoes and situation can alleviate most of the pain and problems, and I think if I ease into it, I could overcome the asthma part maybe. As I lost weight.

I guess I was wondering if anyone else has done it and how. All I do right now is treadmill walking. Thanks.

Re: Joggers/runners - anyone have shin splints and asthma?

I don't have shin splints, however have had other injuries and constraints to deal with. You can overcome the shin splints. As you said the right sneaker will help, there are also ways you can wrap your shins that they will stay more compressed and inhibit injury. There are compression socks I believe out there now that help.

I am just telling you a few things that I have heard along the way. I would see a sports med. doctor or a orthopedic and get some professional advice. There is no reason why you won't be able to add running back into your life. You may not be a long distance runner or be winning any races....but you will be able to get out there and get a few miles in when you want.

I don't know about the asthma...but I have friends who run with asthma. I am not sure how they keep it under control but again a sports med doctor could help you with that too.

Good luck, I have faith you will be running in no time.

Message edited 6/22/2009 10:27:51 AM.

Re: Joggers/runners - anyone have shin splints and asthma?

I am prone to shin splints, but the right shoe is key. If I stray from my brand, I'm in pain.

When I was in HS, our PT would tape my feet everyday for me - there are some tapes out there that make it easy to do yourself.

My HS coach told us to run on the grass if they were bothering on us - less impact.

Re: Joggers/runners - anyone have shin splints and asthma?

I don't have asthma, but I get shin splints when I try to do too much, too soon, and when running too fast down hill.

Grass instead of concrete helps too.

Re: Joggers/runners - anyone have shin splints and asthma?

Thanks ladies.

What sneakers do you use? I just have New Balance running sneakers, middle-of-the-road in terms of price.

Re: Joggers/runners - anyone have shin splints and asthma?

I've always found toe taps to be really helpful for shin splints. Sit in a chair and keeping your heels on the floor raise and lower your toes as much as you can. I haven't gotten them in a long time, but this always worked for me in the past.

I only wear Saucony for running, but it really is different for everybody. I'd suggest going to a running store and have them help you choose a sneaker that would be good for you.

Re: Joggers/runners - anyone have shin splints and asthma?

I wear Nike - usually the less expensive ones ~$50-60

Re: Joggers/runners - anyone have shin splints and asthma?

I have had both shin splints and asthma.

As far as the shin splints - it's really all about the sneaker. I will only run in Asics or Saucony sneaker and usually the higher priced versions ($60-80). I just try to buy them on sale. As soon as my shins start to hurt at all, I would buy a new pair of sneaks...or have a pair in reserve.

As far as the asthma - I took it slow in the beginning. I'd run for 1 minute/walk for 3 and slowly up the running time while maintaining the walking time. My last asthma attack was over 15 years ago, and I used to have severe, debilitating attacks. I don't even use inhalers anymore and haven't touched them in over 5 years.

Good luck......it's totally worth a try!

Re: Joggers/runners - anyone have shin splints and asthma?

there is a short section in RW this month about shin splints. It is caused if you roll inward with your feet, so they say getting motion stabilizing sneakers is a solution and doing weight lifts to stengthen your calfs.

Re: Joggers/runners - anyone have shin splints and asthma?

I have been getting shin splints on and off for a year and they are a pain, literally.

The only thing that helps me is taking time off. However I have also been icing them nightly as I am training for a marathon and cannot afford to take time off right now. I ice my calf and my shin.

I also have orthodics (not custom) but they are supposed to help with the impact. And try googling Chi running, its supposed to help with shin splints. I have been trying it but havent seen any effects yet.

Re: Joggers/runners - anyone have shin splints and asthma?

I used to run ( I really need to start again but that s besides the point). Anyway I have gotten shin splints many many times. It's important to stretch properly before you run. The proper sneaker will definitely help and your running sneakers should only be your running sneakers and not be worn when you aren't running. Shin splints also happen a lot when you are running on different surfaces like pavement, then sand and so forth. A good inner sole with shock will help you too.

Good Luck!