So what do I do?

So after finding out the name of the problem I want to know what I can do to cure it. Sadly for my condition I will never be 100% cured. I can however do things to reduce the pain and the frequency. To do this I am constantly using insoles in my shoes which support my foot arch from collapsing, taking some strain of the calf muscles. I have been using these for 9months so far and I have seen some improvement although not as much as I'd hope.

My next course of action is probably the hardest; following a healthy and very active lifestyle. As many others this can be extremely difficult due to everyday things such as work and college. I often find the time I could be using to exercise or cook a proper meal is taken up by studying or the time it takes me to travel to and from college. 

I am working on my plan of action to find something that will work around my busy schedule and fussy appetite. 

Compartment Syndrome...

Muscles work in groups which are known as compartments. Connective tissue in these compartments isn't very stretchy so during exercise when fluid goes to the muscles and they swell there isn't enough room for them in the compartment so the pressure builds up and creates pain. 

There are a couple of causes;

When growing the compartment didn't grow big enough

A growth spurt as a child where the leg compartments didn't catch up with the rest of the body 

The beginning

Today I was diagnosed with a form of shin splints called Compartment Syndrome. After about 12years of suffering I now have a name for my problem. 

As a child from around the age of 5/6 I started to experience pains in my shins. My parents just dismissed it as growing pains because I would always get it when I was in bed. The pain seemed random and wasn't a regular occurrence. When I started secondary school and became much more active I noticed that I would get the pain after prolonged activity. 

About a year ago I spoke to my GP and she noticed that I was quite flat footed and referred me to a podiatrist. After months of appointments, various stretches, and many different shoe insoles a conclusion has finally been reached.