Shin Splints
What is it?
Shin splints is another term for medial tibial stress syndrome.
It's when your shin bone (tibia) gets sore from the muscles attached to it pulling. This happens when your foot and leg experience a lot more stress than they're used to.
Shin splints is very common in runners.
It's when your shin bone (tibia) gets sore from the muscles attached to it pulling. This happens when your foot and leg experience a lot more stress than they're used to.
Shin splints is very common in runners.
Causes
Shoes and Foot Type: Running in the wrong shoes causes the legs to absorb excess shock. People with high arches or flat feet or are at a particular risk.
Running Surfaces: Ground hardness is a major contributor to shin splints. Hard concrete creates much more stress, even if soft shoes are worn.
New Runners: Those new to running are at risk of shin splints. Beginners are still gaining strength in their muscles and tendons.
Running Surfaces: Ground hardness is a major contributor to shin splints. Hard concrete creates much more stress, even if soft shoes are worn.
New Runners: Those new to running are at risk of shin splints. Beginners are still gaining strength in their muscles and tendons.
Signs and Symptoms
Telltale shin splint symptoms include:
Pain the days after a run is also common.
- Pain that's worse at the start of a run
- Shin bones that hurt when you press down
- Discomfort is usually felt on the inner part of the tibia
Pain the days after a run is also common.
Treatment and Prevention
Shin splints are a very common form of overuse injury.
The condition can be particularly frustrating for those new to exercise, as it can develop quickly and stop training.
With rehab, rest and the right footwear, pain-free running is possible in most cases.
If the pain persists, consult a Podiatrist.
(For a more in-depth guide on shin splints, see my blog post here)
The condition can be particularly frustrating for those new to exercise, as it can develop quickly and stop training.
With rehab, rest and the right footwear, pain-free running is possible in most cases.
If the pain persists, consult a Podiatrist.
(For a more in-depth guide on shin splints, see my blog post here)
