What Are Shin Splints?
Shin splints is the term most commonly used to describe the pain that occurs
below the knee on the outside or inside of the leg. Dancers, runners,
and tennis players are among the most common victims of shin splints,
and they can be caused by a wide range of factors. In this blog, we’ll
discuss what exactly causes shin splints to occur and how you can prevent
them from happening.
Causes of Shin Splints
Improper stretching, unsupportive shoes, and excessive stress and weight
placement on your legs can all lead to shin splints. The most common area
for shin splints to occur is in the medial area – otherwise known
as the inside of the shine. If you’re suffering from shin splint
pain that’s located toward the outside of your leg, you should consider
taking a few extra moments to stretch before and after exercising.
How do I treat shin splints?
Shin splints usually involve a degree of inflammation, which can be treated
with ice and rest. You should cut back on running completely as to not
worsen the injury. Try stretching your Achilles, but remember to listen
to your body – if you feel as though the stretching is causing more
pain than necessary, stop. Schedule an appointment with a doctor who can
assist you with stretching so you don’t overexert yourself and delay
your healing time.
Shin Splint Prevention
There are a number of tips you can implement that can help prevent shin
splints, depending on the type of activity you participate in. If you’re
a runner, for example, one of the sure ways to prevent shin splints lies
in your footwear. When shopping for new running shoes, be sure to go late
in the day when your feet are at their largest and wear the socks you’ll
be wearing when you run. When running, be aware of your form and make
sure you’re distributing your weight evenly on your legs.
Manhattan Sports Therapy treats many sports injuries, including shin splints.
Dr. Nemirovsky is continuously striving to provide state-of-the-art treatment
for patients who want to move forward with pain-free life. Call (646) 798-1330
today to schedule an appointment with our skilled Manhattan sports medicine doctor.