Experts answer the question: Can you run through shin splints?

Plus, what causes shin splints and how to treat and prevent them.

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Shin splints can throw a wrench in your running plans.

woman sweating in the gym

board-certified podiatric surgeon and founder ofGotham Footcare

But running with shin splints isnt the smartest idea.

Here, experts explain why running through shin splints can only make matters worse.

First things first: What are shin splints?

Woman walking on a treadmill at the gym.

Causes of shin splints

Shin splints are an overuse injury.

Both Dr. Cunha and Bair-Cross say running with shin splints isnt a good idea.

Worst-case scenario, you might end up with a more serious injury, such as:

1.

Full body female athlete in sportswear using rowing machine during fitness workout in gym.

Stress fractures

Stress fractures are tiny breaks in the bone sparked by repetitive stress or overuse.

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Im a Master TrainerHeres Why You Shouldnt Skip Your Post-Run Stretches.

), joint mobility (are the ankles or knees or hips lacking range of motion?

), and muscle activation (are the muscles needed to run being recruited?).

Healthy female training in the gym, performing a hip thrust.

First off, grab afoam roller.

This can loosen up the muscle tissue and bring blood flow to the area.

you’re able to also incorporate a stretching routine after you run or foam roll.

A young black woman doing post-run stretches in the park on the road amidst green grass and trees.

To activate your muscles, try somepre-run warm-updrills like squats, lateral band walks, or calf raises.

Sweet, now you might transition to arun-walk progressionevery other day.

Then, take the following day to rest or do across-training workout.

If youre pain-free, you could slowly increase your load by no more than 10 percent each run.

The pain usually goes away when you stop running.

The bottom line: Should you run with shin splints?

Plain and simple: No, you shouldnt.

Take a break from running and focus on recovery before hitting the pavement again.

Youll also want to get to the root cause of your shin splints, especially if theyre recurring.

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