Shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome, are one of the most common running injuries. Symptoms can vary from slight discomfort to severe pain in the front lower leg. In most cases, the muscles along the shinbone have become swollen and the shin bone or tibia is sore to touch.
At the onset of this condition, pain is usually only felt after a run. If the condition worsens, pain may be felt continuously while running and afterwards. If a runner ignores this condition and continues to run with shin pain, it may develop into a tibial stress fracture requiring many weeks of rest to heal and recover.
This running injury is not caused by soft tissue damage as was originally thought. Bone scans have produced evidence to indicate the presence of low bone density believed to have been caused by stress placed on the shin or tibia bone while running.
There are a number of possible causes of shin splints. Over-training is one of the most common causes. Check your running log to ensure you have not increased your training too quickly in intensity or quantity. Too much too soon is often the cause of this injury.
Biomechanics or an improper running form is another common cause. Check your running posture and ensure you are not over-striding. Your feet should land directly beneath your center of gravity as your run.
Notice how your foot lands while running also known as your running foot strike. Heel striking can also contribute to this problem especially if the foot remains in a dorsiflex position (toes pointing up) longer than necessary. This contracts the shin muscles and causes tension in the area. If you are a heel striker, perhaps you may want to consider trying a forefoot or midfoot strike to reduce stress and tension on the lower legs and knees.
Other possible causes:
If the pain is severe, stop running. Rest and seek professional advice as it could develop into a stress fracture or chronic compartment syndrome if ignored. If you suspect a stress fracture, you may want to have an x-ray to confirm if a fracture exists. Fractures require immediate attention and running must cease completely.
Most cases of shin splints are not serious and the pain often disappears as the muscles relax during a run. There are a number of self-treatments you can try to ease the pain and correct the problem.
To ice the area, use a paper cup. Freeze water in the paper cup and then tear the top rim off the cup to expose some of the ice. Rub the exposed ice along your shin. The remaining part of the cup will keep your hand from freezing. It is recommended to ice for 10-20 minutes three times a day when pain is still present in the area.
Stretch the area by pointing and flexing your toes. Also try standing on stairs and while holding onto the rail, rising up on your toes (calf raises). While also standing on stairs with ball of foot at edge of bottom step, let one heel drop down and hold for 30 seconds (heel drop). Repeat with other foot. Repeat these exercises throughout the day. These exercises will strengthen and stretch the area, making it stronger, more flexible and will help ease the pain.
Increasing your strike frequency or cadence to 180 steps per minute will help reduce impact as your ground contact time is reduced. This of course reduces the stress on your bones and muscles thus reducing the risk of shin splints.
Running on a hard surface in minimal shoes helps to build strength and reduce leg stiffness. Soft surfaces and soft cushioned shoes have been shown to increase leg stiffness.
If you have suffered from shin splints, please share your story in the comments below. How long did you experience pain and what did you do to help speed recovery?
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