Shin Splint?

[BarbaraAlys]

Do you think you can get shin splints from cycling? I did a search on this site and it was inconclusive. Then I read a number of medical sites and none of them mention cycling as an activity that leads to shin splints.

But...the day after my long ride on Saturday my shin, about three inches above the ankle, just to the outside of the shin (on the front) was slightly swollen and sore, especially when dorsal flexing my foot. It was feeling better until yesterday when I did my short-ish, but challenging (thanks to that stupid head wind) ride. I iced it last night, and this morning it was some better, but walking around here at work it is starting to hurt again.

Any input?

Barbara

[sundial]

Just curious--were you doing lots of hills and climbing?

One of my cyclist friends gave up running because of chronic shin splints. He's not had any episodes of shin splints since. Now say it fast.

[lauraelmore1033]

I know I've had them. Especially early in the season, after riding aggressively.

[BarbaraAlys]

Well, for ME it was lots of hills. I'm in Texas, so it is relative, but this was not considered a flat ride around here. And there was a head wind. And it was a long distance for me, 53 miles.

I guess the only treatment is RICE, right?
Barbara

[aicabsolut]

I gave up running largely because of chronic shin splints, though I had a different kind (medial tibial stress syndrome, it's now called). I never really had any issue with the tibialis anterior muscle, though strains of that muscle (and the connecting extensor tendons) are also called "shin splints." If you had a lot more ankle action from the change in your ride conditions, you could easily have overused that muscle. Maybe your form wasn't perfect either. I don't think it's a common cycling injury, but I wouldn't say it's impossible or anything. I think that the ice will help the swelling, but massage may help it heal faster. So, massage until the area is flushed (with some sort of lotion, not just till you rub the skin red), and then follow with ice. Obviously take it easy, but I think you can probably still ride some, just err on the flatter easier side, and don't ride if it is bothering you just sitting around.

[sundial]

Well, for ME it was lots of hills. I'm in Texas, so it is relative, but this was not considered a flat ride around here.

I know what you mean. I live near hills, whereas our west coast gals would consider it as ant hills.

[BarbaraAlys]

I was planning on a very flat 60 miles on Saturday. I guess I'll have to see how it feels between now and then.

Thanks for the input.

Barbara

[malkin]

+1 for ice, massage, and more ice
And if it were me I'd be into the anti-inflammatories too.