I have been getting the worst shin splints lately. I am joining the marines so I have been woking out very hard for the past 5 months or so...running alot. Now I cant even walk up the stairs with out being in extreme pain. I have been seeking rehab for them but is there anything else I can do? I can't even run anymore and I dont want to reverse everyting I have done since I am not working out anymore. Thanks

REST! That is the only thing (as far as I know) that will get rid of them. You really do need to take some time out or else you will cause permanent muscle damage. This can be highly frustrating I know, however the sooner you stop running and start resting the sooner you can start running again. Some people may recommend cross training to keep your fitness level up, but I personally wouldn't as this will still effect the shin splints. Get yourself 1 or 2 weeks rest (it will bearly effect your fitness level) then get back into it.

Resting is harder than training for some people and takes lots of mental strength, but it is needed. So if I was you I would force myself.

Have you tried different shoes? I used to get them and then changed my shoes and what a difference.

There are a number of options you can do with shin splits. If they are very painful then chances are it is going to take more then 1 to 2 weeks for them to heal. Shin splints are cause by poor biomechanics of the ankle joint, which is most often a direct result of poor calf flexibility. They generally take quit a while if they are even moderately severe. Is what you need to do is stop running. Start taking spin classes to keep your cardio fitness up and do some good circuit training with weights three times a week. Also I highly suggest you do deep water running sessions if you have access to a pool.

Now, how to correct your problem: For the next 2 weeks go to the gym and perform the following intense muscle facia stretching procedure. Stretch your calves using heavy resistance on the calf machine and the leg press machine. Warm up with some light weight and a few reps, then load the weight up and stretch one foot at a time. This is not a calf workout but an intense stretch session. Concentrate (it will be uncomfortable), hold each stretch for 20-30 seconds, alternating each leg. Every 10 or so seconds do one full, slow rep, (one calf press) then go straight back to the full stretch. This will allow full relaxation of the proprioceptors (golgi-tendons) in the calf muscles. The heavy weight will produce greater range of motion in your ankle joint. Done religiously it will be the only method that will increase the ROM about your ankle, safely and effectively. This stretching workout should take you 30 minutes or so each session. Follow this approach and consistanly ice your shins daily after workouts, use some anti-inflamatory meds intially for a week or so. Good luck in the Marines, I did five years Semper Fi