Suffering from Shin Splints

QUESTION: I'm currently in Week 4 of your 18-week training program for the marathon and have begun to have issues with shin splints on my left leg only. I wonder if you have any experience or suggestions so that I can keep training for the OKC Marathon in 13 weeks. I stretch very good before and after all runs.

HAL’S ANSWER: Very good? Stretching is great if you know what you’re doing. I don’t always myself, so I worry that sometimes runners may overstretch themselves into an injury or make it worse. That may or may not be true in your case, but are you certain that your problem is “shin splints” and not one of many other problems that masquerade as that ailment? The standard remedies are ice, anti-inflammatories, cross-training and/or rest, although too much rest may be a problem if you are aimed at a specific marathon. Unless cutting back on your training results in some relief of your symptoms, you might be best served by seeing a podiatrist or orthopedist who can at least determine whether your self- diagnosis is correct. And provide the proper treatment, which at least would include the best stretching exercises for your particular case.

Hal uses TrainingPeaks to power his interactive marathon and half marathon training plans. Check out more of Hal Higdon's training plans here or on his website. 

This is the new home of "Q&A with Hal Higdon"! This column was recently moved from its previous address at http://askhalhigdon.tumblr.com, where archived Q&A's can still be found.