Mathew,

I developed shin splints around 4 months ago which just got worse and worse to the point that it was quite painful. Eventually saw a physio who recommended to rest from running get it right and build back up slowly. This I wasn't going to do as I'm tarining for a marathon at the end of October. So he said try Ibuleve max strength and Ibuprofen. This has worked wonders for me and I'm totally back on track.

I must however point out that this is not a total cure as it's effectively masking a problem. After the marathon I'm going to takje his original advice and get it sorted properly.

Brian.

Along with my bad back 3 weeks ago I ran a 10k race week last sunday and tried to go for a PB but only got around 43:12, this did translate to achey knees and I put it down to me over compensating for my back, plus I was going for it hard somewhat.

Anyway done another 10k race yesterday, this was going to be a bit of fun so I tried chi running for most of it, including a bit of cross feet running up a particularly steep incline..... guess what...... no PB but done it in 43:07 and I considered I wasn't pushing as hard as the week before and in fact was less exhuasted at the end, I even went for a 400 metre sprint at the end, and no sore knees.

I still feel Chi is not for everyone all the time but I think it does have it's merits, especially on the longer runs.

Footnote: My PB was 42:38 on a hilly 10k and that also was the first time I done a bit of Chi on the hilly bits.

Hi Matthew,

Provided it's only tedonitis or arthritis-I can recommend Litozin available from Boots.It comes as a cream rub and is much better than Deep Heat though it has a similar camphor smell. 

You should be able to do a bit of training without feeling too sore and uncomfortable.