Tender Shins?

While lounging in my la-z-boy, the cat walked across my shins, and OH MY GAWD did it hurt! Almost like stepping on a bruise, and they radiate for a bit after stepping on them. I've felt the tenderness before, and when I did more riding than running it was less of a problem. I had a big problem with it for a while last summer (in the "ow ow ow don't touch" way), but now it seems to be a little more subtle, just... still there (especially with those pointy cat toes).

Any suggestions? Maybe I should ice them? I iced after all of my long runs and I'm not sure if that helped this specific problem. Maybe try to rub them out? (wince)

I'm a little hesitant to do anything major right now, but it would be nice to not cringe in pain when someone pokes your shins :)

Colby,

Are you putting your shins up for sale or in the market for new ones ? ;)

Maybe try a couple of these stretches/exercises ?

http://www.racewalk.com/Stretching/ShinStretches01.asp
http://www.racewalk.com/Strength/ShinExercises01.asp

Well, they're tender enough to put some gravy on and enjoy instead of turkey ;)

Thanks for the links! I've done the seated stretch before (in the form of a yoga pose) but I'll have to try it and some of the other stuff more regularly.

Icing is good on tender, sore muscles and joints. I'd go that route for sure! Stretching is also good. I get sore shins when we hike hills when we haven't been for awhile. They can hang around for days!

Emily