What are Shin Splints?

Shin Splints Explained
Well known among runners, the pain from shin splints can impair your mobility and prevent you from pursuing activities that you enjoy. Shin splints need to be taken seriously and treated promptly.

What are Shin Splints?
Shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), are caused by injury and inflammation that create pain on either the inside or outside of the lower leg, or tibia. This type of pain can also be caused by a stress fracture or compartment syndrome. Those conditions require sophisticated medical tests to diagnose, but shin splints can usually be identified by the type of pain you experience. Experts note that shin splints cause a generalized pain that is often worse in the morning. If you have shin splints, flexing your foot at the ankle may be extremely painful. Sometime you only feel it when you stick your finger into your shin muscles.

Causes of Shin Splints
Shin splints can be a problem for runners and other athletes who put a great deal of repetitive force on their feet and legs. Sometimes, poor training techniques lead to this condition as well as failure to properly rest the legs and feet after they have been seriously stressed. Beginning athletes often fall prey to shin splints because they push themselves too far, too fast, too soon. Running on very hard surfaces like concrete also exacerbates the situation and using old worn out running shoes that don't offer enough cushioning.

Treatments for Shin Splints
Medical professionals recommend a variety of treatments for shin splints. If you have this problem, you should greatly reduce your activity level to give the leg a chance to heal. If you are a runner, you should run at least 50 percent less and lengthen the time between runs until the condition improves. Icing the affected leg for 10 to 15 minutes after a workout can help prevent inflammation while using a compression bandage can also aid in healing. Simple elevation can also promote healing as can massaging your calves with a foam roller. In some instances, pain creams can help too.

Insoles Help for Shin Splints
For most people, using the proper foot support can both help prevent shin splints and help them heal. Be sure to wear footwear designed specifically for your activity, and wear Superfeet Insoles to disperse ground impact forces and reduce strain on the lower leg.