Shin splints are an inflammation of the muscle attachments and interosseous membranes
to the tibia (shin bone) on the inside of the front of the lower leg. It
is a very common running injury as well as in sports played on hard surfaces
such as basketball, volleyball, tennis, etc.
Other names or similar foot conditions:
Periostitis
Symptoms:
Pain or tenderness along the inside of the shin, usually about halfway
down the shin. Pain and tenderness may extend to the knee
Pain on palpation of the shin
Pain is most severe at the start of a run, but may disappear during
a run, as the muscles loosen up. (This is different from a stress fracture
where there is pain during weight bearing activities)
Signs to look for:
Pain on palpation of the shin
No symptoms except when engaging in running or other intense weight
bearing activity
Possible Causes:
Inflexible calf muscles and tight Achilles tendons
Overpronation (feet rotate too far inward on impact)
Excessive running on hard surfaces, such as concrete pavements
Incorrect or worn shoes
Overtraining, or a rapid increase in training load or intensity
Goals:
Align feet, ankles, knees and hips
Regular stretching of leg muscles
Moderate shock on feet and legs while running
For overpronating foot, running shoes made with extra medial support
Lower and thinner arch support with longitudinal and metatarsal support,
such as the Bio-Orthotics Journey or Silhouette, for use when shoes
cannot accommodate the Winstep or Sundance exercising support
Shoes:
Extra depth shoes with firm heel counter and shank connecting heel
to forefoot of shoe
If running for exercise, shoes with firm heel counter and with the
runner’s personal stride component in the shoe
Activities:
Avoid exercising on hard, unforgiving surfaces until arch support
and shoes obtained
Regular stretching program before and after exercise
Rotate weight bearing exercises, such as walking or jogging, with
non-weight bearing exercising, such as swimming or bicycling
This information does not constitute a
diagnosis of your condition and does not take the place of a doctor’s
care. The information has been compiled from sources available to
the general public and referenced below.
Sources Image: D. Denlinger, A New Foot Health Solution Text: Time-to-run.com,
nismat.org
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