Shin Splints
What are Shin Splints?
Shin splints are the common name for pains in the shins during exercise. They are generally felt after strenuous exercise and are particularly common in runners.
What are the causes for Shin Splints?
Shin splints happen for a number of different reasons. You are at risk of getting shin splints if you are not an experienced runner, run on hard surfaces or on an inline, wear poorly fitted running shoes, are overweight, have flat feet or have tight muscles and tendons in your calves.
The most common cause of shin splints is something called medial tibia stress syndrome (MTSS). This happens when you exercise infrequently and your body is not used to the level of exertion it undergoes. As you exercise this puts pressure on your shins and causes inflammation in the connective tissues that covers your shinbone.
What are the symptoms of Shin Splints?
Shin splints happen for a number of different reasons. You are at risk of getting shin splints if you are not an experienced runner, run on hard surfaces or on an inline, wear poorly fitted running shoes, are overweight, have flat feet or have tight muscles and tendons in your calves.
The most common cause of shin splints is something called medial tibia stress syndrome (MTSS). This happens when you exercise infrequently and your body is not used to the level of exertion it undergoes. As you exercise this puts pressure on your shins and causes inflammation in the connective tissues that covers your shinbone.
How are Shin Splints treated?
The main symptom of shin splints is pain down the front of the shin. The pain may start as a dull ache, but if ignored the pain can become very severe. It is important not to run through the pain, as it may be a sign of an underlying injury. Usually shin splint can be treated with self-care, but if your pain does not improve it is important to be checked over by a doctor. Additionally if you experience pain at rest, pain following a fall or accident, you have worsening swelling or your shins are hot and inflamed, you should seek medical assistance.
