I went to the doctor on Monday - I already had the appt for a different issue (that has now involved 4 stitches ) and we chatted about my leg.  The same leg from October of 2007.  The leg that on Saturday and Sunday was at a pain level 8... now on Tuesday it's about a 6... so I have faith it's getting better.  But here's his advice.... ready ???   "Jodie,  you should not run for a bit, and you can't do any upper body weights for a week anyway, so just take a week off and then we'll see".  Do you think they go to school to learn how to give that professional advice ???  sheesh... no kidding... 

No x-ray... gonna wait to see if it subsides and go from there.  If it's still nutty this weekend,  I'll hit the walk in clinic for an x-ray.

I KNOW it's gonna be better... I have things to do, places to go and races to participate in !!

Here's the official stuff...   and you KNOW it hurts when I actually ice something :)   and yes... i'm ALL about the wrap !!!

Posterior Shin Splints

Description:
Pain on the inner side of your leg, right where the calf muscle meets the big shin bone. If the pain is severe, you may have strained this area enough to cause a stress fracture in the tibia. If this is the case you should see a doctor immediately.

Likely causes:
You've strained a muscle that gives some support to the arch of your foot (the muscle runs from the shin bone around the ankle and attaches behind the ball of the foot). 

Remedy:
To ease the pain and reduce inflammation, ice your shins immediately after running. Use either a store-bought cold pack or simply freeze a wet towel before going out on a run. Whatever you use, wrap the ice pack around your leg and keep it on for 10 or 15 minutes, keeping your foot elevated all the while. Take aspirin or ibuprofen at mealtime to help reduce inflammation further.

Definitely cut back on your mileage and perhaps take a few days off from running. Whatever you do, do not try to run through the pain. You will only make your injury worse and could wind up with a stress fracture.

What is the multifaceted "relative rest" approach?

This multifaceted approach includes:

• Workouts such as stationary bicycling or pool running: These will allow maintenance of cardiovascular fitness.
• Icing reduces inflammation.
• Anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin); naproxen(Aleve/Naprosyn), are also a central part of rehabilitation.
• A 4-inch wide Ace bandage wrapped around the region also helps reduce discomfort.
• Calf and anterior (front of) leg stretching and strengthening addresses the biomechanical problems discussed above and reduce pain.
• Pay careful attention to selecting the correct running shoe based upon the foot type(flexible pronator vs. rigid supinator). This is extremely important. In selected cases, shoe inserts (orthotics) may be necessary.
• Stretching and strengthening exercises are done twice a day.
• Run only when symptoms have generally resolved (often about two weeks) andwith several restrictions:

1. A level and soft terrain is best.
2. Distance is limited to 50% of that tolerated preinjury.
3. Intensity (pace) is similarly cut by one half.
4. Over a three-six week period, a gradual increase in distance is allowed.
5. Only then can a gradual increase in pace be attempted.