Need help. I might be getting a shin splint?

[LaurenVanRaalte]

Hi guys. Loving my fitbit to keep track of my steps. But I have recently started the couch 2 5k program (walking/jogging in intervals until you can eventually run for 30 minutes straight). My last two "runs" I have been feeling pain in my right leg. It is right in the middle of my lower leg, on the left side of the front bone (tibia?). I managed my workout with some moderate discomfort during the running portions, but not intense pain. But now that I am done, walking even hurts. I have been trying to stretch out my muscles by doing some ankle rolls, tow lifts, and stretching my calf. Also massaging the muscle seems to make it feel better slightly. I am worried though that I am developing a shin splint in that leg. Any tips on how to lessen the pain or prevent it from getting worse? My running workouts are 3x a week (always with at least 1 rest day in between). I might go ice it right now just in case.

Any help is appreciated!!

[LaurenVanRaalte]

Also, I did order new running shoes which should arrive tomorrow. The shoes I wore today were a couple of years old.

[MrsL]

I am familiar with that pain and it does sound like shin splints. There are a lot of great atricles online about shin splints. Shin splints usually develop when a runner increases their distance or intensity to quickly (either too long, too far, or too fast). One thing some people use to prevent shin splints are compression socks or compression sleeves. What I did was just wrap my shins in ace bandages. Better running shoes should also help. However, once you have shin splints, you really have little choice but to scale way back and let your legs heal. I know, it is hard to scale back when you are building up momentum, but you won't be able to run with the pain. Tiger balm can help with the pain while you heal. Eventually, you will develop the strength and it will not be such an issue. 

[ac7ss]

I am also starting on the c25k program!
That's what it sounds like. I found an article with some excersizes to help with shin splint issues. They do subside if you don't push too hard.
Proper shoes will really help. (I picket up some $40 Soucanys and it made a world of difference from my trainers.)

[Snowflakepdx]

Shin splints can be aggravated by running down hill, Improper shoes, over training and weight.

The shoes should help prevent it in the future.  There is no reason to suspect that this will be an ongoing issue. 

Make sure you are jogging the uphill parts and walking the downhill parts of your run for now. 

There is a series of simple exercises that help the tissue attach itself to the bone properly over time.   This is what track athletes do.  Walk 20 meters on your heels with your toes in up off the ground.  Walk 20 meters on your tippy toes.  walk 20 meters rolled to the inside of your ankles on the inner edge of you feet. Walk 20 meters rolled to the outer edge of your feet.   Repeat this every time you run before or after.