Shin Splints - Recovery Terrain

[promethyl]

I am currently doing some running and weight lifting.

When I run, I notice I'm impacting the ground hard and it makes smacking sounds. I'm trying to alter the way I run.

Now that I have shin spints, I was wondering, when I begin to run again I want to ease back into it:

There's a concrete path and a grassy/dirt trail nearby. Which should I run on? I thought the grass might be softer and compact better, irritating the shin splint less.

However I was concerned the muscle would have to work harder and make it worse.

Opinions?

[Montague]

I'm not a runner, and thus, am not sure what effects terrain will have for your condition.
What I do know is that shin splints consist of inflammation caused by overuse.

First, I would consider another form of cardio for a while in order to rest your shins.
Next, you may wish to examine your footwear and determine if that may be a culprit.
While treating your splints, OTC NSAID's may be a good idea, as well as ice - in fact, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND ICE.

When you start running again, start light and implement a gradual progression.

[Parker]

Grass is best, humans were meant to run on concrete...
If you ever noticed, when they speed up the tracks for sprinters, the long distance runners suffer more injuries...

[Butterbean]

Grass is best, humans were meant to run on concrete...
If you ever noticed, when they speed up the tracks for sprinters, the long distance runners suffer more injuries...

You mean weren't meant right?

Also, you may want to concentrate on heel to toe movements instead of slapping your whole foot down at once.

[K-1]

patella bands. I ran a marathon with these on at over 215lbs no problem. They work wonders.

[Coach is Back!]

Are you sure its shin splints and not compartment syndrome?