My Shins are KILLING ME!!!

I went to a friends baby shower today and I get back home, and it feels like someone has taken a sledge hammer to my shins! I told my doctor that I have been having a problem with this pain sense around Christmas, and the reply I got was. It sounds like shin splint. Well Because I was at this shower, I was sitting down all day pretty much (with my occasional run to the bathroom and all). So the doctor said that walking and standing will flair the problem. So I am in so much stinkin pain. Has anyone else had this problem? I need relief, and it is apparent that the doctors are not listening!

Take this as you will... because I'm sure I'm going to sound like a crazy person.



My dad and brother both suffered from shin splints and bone spurs. My crazy mother (who doesn't believe in medicine and won't even take a Tylenol unless she's dying) read an article in "Prevention" magazine about the healing power of vinegar.



Well, after cortizone shots and every other treatment under the sun, my dad was desperate enough to try the vinegar, and it actually worked! He just took some clean washcloths and soaked them in white vinegar, and then put them on his shins while he watched TV for at least half an hour a day. It only took a week and his shins haven't bothered him since.



My brother... he had bone/heel spurs and plantar fascitis (sp?) and soaked his feet in white vinegar for an hour a day while he worked at his computer. A couple of weeks later, his feet were fine.



Just an idea if you're desperate enough! The only downside is that your house will smell like an Easter Egg. LOL

I am at the point I will try anything. And eggs are good anyway
Thank you for the suggestion!

It likely is shin splints.  Once they're aggravated, you have to get them 'healed' in order for the problem to go away.  My non-medically educated guess is that because of the changes in the way that you're walking.  not much you can do about that until your little one gets here...but that's likely the cause. 

I cut and pasted the info on how to treat them below.  Hope this helps. 



http://www.thestretchinghandbook.com/archives/shin-splints.php

How to Treat Shin Splints!

Firstly, be sure to remove the cause of the problem. Whether it is a biomechanical problem, or an overload problem, make sure steps are taken to remove the cause.

The basic treatment for shin splints is no different to most other soft tissue injuries. Immediately following the onset of any shin pain, the R.I.C.E.R. regimen should be applied. This involves Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation, and Referral to an appropriate professional for an accurate diagnosis. It is critical that the R.I.C.E.R. regimen be implemented for at least the first 48 to 72 hours. Doing this will give you the best possible chance of a complete and full recovery.

The next phase of treatment (after the first 48 to 72 hours) involves a number of physiotherapy techniques. The application of heat and massage is one of the most effective treatments for speeding up the healing process of the muscles and tendons.

I have found both from personal experience and from working with many clients, that this form of treatment is the most effective. The application of heat and deep tissue massage on the affected area seems to bring the best results. If you suffer from shin splints, be sure to spend at least a few minutes massaging the affected area both before and after you exercise.

Once most of the pain has been reduced, it is time to move onto the rehabilitation phase of your shin splints treatment. The main aims of this phase is to regain and improve the strength, power, endurance and flexibility of the muscles and tendons that have been compromised.

If the problem is shin splints (which I had several years ago as an athlete), the RICER method does work well.  The only thing I would add is stretching your calves for 10-15 minutes twice a day.  You can do that by leaning with your hands against your wall at home with your leg extended behind you, switching legs a few times.  I used to do this morning and night and it helped alleviate and prevent the pain.  Also, if you know you're going somewhere, stretch before you go and it will help too. Good luck to you!  That pain is no joke. :(