Post workout pain – remedies required

MsBooty

Looking for advise/remedies to combat post workout pain. I have the usual achy muscles/ sore knees after running/jogging but recently I have been suffering with shin pains. I have used arnica oil in the past which has been ok, but looking for something which is more than ok. Whether it be a bath soak, lotion, massage oil, just need something that works, as the pain can be so bad that I can’t /don’t feel like doing anything the following day.

I have been told that I've suffered shin splints in the past & advised to rest.

G_Model101

In a sense, the pain is a good thing, as it's your bodies way of telling you that you need to relax.

I've tried ice baths after half marathon runs, no idea whether they really make much of a difference though. The science supporting them is still out.
Simple stretches, a warm down and the act of massaging (regardless of what you're massaging with) probably won't do you any harm. However, I'm far too disorganised and lazy to do any of these :P

How often do you run? I used to get shin splints all the time when I started running, but haven't had them in over 2 years now.

Fen1

It would be better to figure out why you are in pain. Have you gone to a specialist running shop and been put on a video-record running machine? These examine your gait, stride, technique etc. An expert can then determine what sort of shoes are best for you. Are you zero balance? Do you need arch support? Is your technique causing stress on your joints?
Sorting these things out FIRST will not only help, but are vital for healthy exercise.

pinkteapot

I got shin splints when I started running. Stretching really is the key to avoiding them in the first place. I was a bit lazy about doing stretches but have religiously done them pre and post-run since and have never had shin pain again.

I do upper and lower calf stretches - the ones shown at the end of p2 on this document:
http://wellness.ucr.edu/Stretches%20for%20Lower%20and%20Upper%20Body.pdf

DaveTheMus

Take fish oil........the best supplement you can buy

donglemouse

i agree with fen ideally you want to find the source of the problem so you don't have to deal with the output

are you wearing appropriate footwear? and/or have you stepped up the amount of distance/intensity of your training?

either or both could be the cause of the problem along with many other possibilities

if you tell us your footwear and the type/amount of training you do that would help

StuC75

Have you checked that the footwear is appropriate by going to a shop for gait analysis? I had shin problems last year - but a quick check soon gave me a proper suggestion of what to be wearing and those issues were quickly solved..

purpleshoes_2

Ice and rest and Id also say stop running until they have gone and yes check your footwear and replace it regularly, people who do a lot of running or high impact aerobics should be replacing their footwear at the very least every 6 months, it doesnt matter if your trainers look as good as new, you should still replace them.

A lot of people swear by zigtechs for shin splints, but I do think you need to recover from them, then get your footwear checked out before you start a running programme again.

Trying to run through the pain wont do your body any good.

YORKSHIRELASS

Best advice I was ever given - listen to your body - if something hurts it hurts for a reason.

I suffered with quite bad pain in my hip a few years ago and couldnt believe that something as simple as getting properly fitted for trainers could resolve it. There is always a lot of debate about whether you need expensive trainers for running and I can only speak for my own experience - it made the world of difference for me.

MsBooty

Thank you all for your replies and for all your advice. Much appreciated. I will your questions

I have a problem with my foot due to a botched operation. Cannot bend my big toe therefore do not have a proper instep. Have been advised by physiotherapists/my consultant that I over compensate due to this. I am having pre op this week and waiting to have yet another procedure – steroid injections.

Currently wearing the standard insoles provided by the hospital but looking into getting custom made ones as soon as I find a recommended Chiropractor

Donglemouse: I do not run regular, only started last week doing c25k – day1 – walk 1 min /jog 1 min for 20 mins and have been suffering since.

Fen1 & StuC75 I have gone to a specialist running shop and had a gait test and bought trainers according to what they recommended. But as Purpleshoes has suggested, maybe I need to buy new trainers as even though the ones I have are in brilliant condition, they are nearly a year old.

G_Model101 I think I am like you, too tired/lazy after a work out to do a proper strect and also I do not know how to stretch effectively, but will look into this and start. Pinkteapot: thanks for the link.

Davethemus: I have omega 3 oil but another one of those things I forget to take, will have to start making an effort to remember

Thanks All

heartbreak_star

Stretching, stretching and more stretching post-workout.

Hope you feel better soon!

HBS x