Season ending shin splints

[Jacolac]

Anybody else gotten really bad shin splints from skiing? My right leg got to the point I could barely walk after a couple months of skiing and then finally landing somewhat backseat off a 10 foot drop... now 2 months later they're slightly better but still sore when just walking for more than 5 minutes and of course no skiing.

I've broken my arm, got a branch clean through my hand and almost blown off my foot and nothing has ever been this slow to heal.

It's mainly my fault for not preparing properly for this season by not working out my lower legs a lot and stretching but damn this is frustrating and I think my season is over from what seemed like a fairly insignificant injury at first.

Anyone have any experience on how long this takes to heal when it gets really bad?

[jon gaper]

It usually takes a lot less than 2 months. Maybe you have something else.....like a stress fracture?

[butterscotch]

compartment syndrome? this happened to single last year, and sounds like a few other mags have had it as well.

[Jacolac]

It usually takes a lot less than 2 months. Maybe you have something else.....like a stress fracture?

I did have xrays which showed nothing but was told I'd need to have a bone scan to detect most micro fractures and that's a 2 hr drive away so I didn't go that route yet... maybe it's time though.

[Jacolac]

compartment syndrome? this happened to single last year, and sounds like a few other mags have had it as well.

Hadn't heard of this but just looked it up and I suppose it's a possibility.

Another weird thing is the left side of my foot has gone somewhat numb (sort of feels like it's not your own foot when you touch it) although I can still feel pain etc if I pinch it. However this started long before my shins got really bad so I don't know if it's related or not. Doc said it's likely a pinched nerve somewhere near that area and that I probably just need to give it time but it's been numb for 3 months now... probably should bring that up again.

[GIR]

I had something similar with my shins. I went as far as getting an MRI done, but all it all could have been solved by simple stretching and strength exercises. Calf raises and Resisted Dorsiflexion (google it) with a stretchy band made all the pain go away. Can't say what's going on with your shins, but I'd try those exercises for a few weeks before a bone scan/MRI. Way cheaper.

[Jacolac]

I had something similar with my shins. I went as far as getting an MRI done, but all it all could have been solved by simple stretching and strength exercises. Calf raises and Resisted Dorsiflexion (google it) with a stretchy band made all the pain go away. Can't say what's going on with your shins, but I'd try those exercises for a few weeks before a bone scan/MRI. Way cheaper.

I know this is what I should've done before the season to prepare and I was planning to start as soon as I healed. Do you think it's fine to start while I still have some pain though? I'm just worried it'll get worse and I want to try to salvage some spring skiing if I can.

[GIR]

Definitely. Well, maybe. Can you find the sore spot on your shin by pressing with your fingers? If so, that's probably a bone bruise. Stop touching it and it will go away in about 6 weeks. If there is no oblivious sore spot that you can find on your bone, its all good. Do the exercises. For me, I took it easy on my legs long enough that I got shin splints immediately after I started skiing post injury. I did the exercises, and was able to ski again after about 1 week. Even doing toe tapping while you are sitting in a chair helps.

[Jacolac]

Definitely. Well, maybe. Can you find the sore spot on your shin by pressing with your fingers? If so, that's probably a bone bruise. Stop touching it and it will go away in about 6 weeks. If there is no oblivious sore spot that you can find on your bone, its all good. Do the exercises. For me, I took it easy on my legs long enough that I got shin splints immediately after I started skiing post injury. I did the exercises, and was able to ski again after about 1 week. Even doing toe tapping while you are sitting in a chair helps.

Problem is, there is a sore spot on my shin which gets worse if I walk around for more than a few minutes at a time. It also starts to hurt when heated, like in the shower, which also causes a small skin bump to appear but goes away when it cools down (ice feels sooo good.)

Going back to the doc tomorrow, so we'll see.

[Vinman]

landing backseat = anterior tibialis muscle firing hard to bring you forward = severe muscle strain = working the muscle even when you are walking. This muscle prevents lowers your foot gradually just after your heel strikes the ground. Treat it like a muscle strain at this point. Begin with ice and rest with very gentle stretching. once you pain decreases try some gentle strength exercises. If t is not getting better go see your doc for a referral to rehab for ultrasound, laser and kinesiotaping as well as instruction in how to stretch and strengthen.

After re-reading you last post. the bump might indicate a small herniation of the muscle though the sheath also indicating a bad strain/partial tear of the muscle.

[skideeppow]

Vinman is right on. This should be an easy fix.
Some other things to try, a foam liner with a foam tongue (surefoots new liner is pretty sick).
Contrast, Get a garbage can and fill it with ice and water. Stick your legs in there for 15-20 mintues, then take them out and either put them in a hot tub. Repeat this a couple of times. 2x a days.
This will do wonders for you. Always end with the ice, to make sure the swelling decreases.
You need to me manic about this otherwise it will never get better.
Good luck

[Dromond]

I've had shin bang very similar to this but less severe. I could walk, but skiing was quite painful. The long-term solution to to have boots that fit extremely well and to stay out of the back seat while skiing at all costs.