What are the ways to overcome shin pain when ice skating or running?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a figure skater who trains for two to five hours per day. I recently switched to skating boots. About a week later, I began experiencing terrible outer shin discomfort, to the point that I could not bend down or skate with my boots on. I went to my physiotherapist, who told me to stretch and roll my calves out every night since I might have shin splints. I have been doing this for a week, and my pain has only gotten worse. My pain does not bother me during the day or when I am doing any off-ice workout, including running. It only hurts when I put pressure on my shins or bend into my ice skates in that area. What should I do to get rid of this pain without wanting to take time off from skating? Kindly guide me.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and would like to guide you in your query.

The problem could be with your shoes, that may not be adequately supporting your root arch, and because you already have Achilles tendonitis, there may be some calf shortening, resulting in constant loading on the shin bone.

I suggest you take a good look at the footwear. Check to see if the sole has appropriate padding, and if the arch is supported properly. Evaluate your hip and ankle mobility along with glute stability.

Also, the padding on the previous boots bearing the load may not irritate the shin when forced against the shin area. Now that there is less padding, it is directly rubbing against the bone tendon locations, causing pain. So, please check your shoes, hip and ankle mobility, and glute stability. Then, change your shoes and check if the problem is resolved.

I hope this information will help you.

Kindly revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.