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Shin Splints
Condition Explained
Shin splints are a type of “overuse injury” to the legs. The pain is characteristic and located on the outer edge of the mid region of the leg next to the shinbone (tibia). It can be extreme and halt you exercising.
What causes it?
Risk factors for shin splints include running and over-training on hills, inadequate footwear for athletic activity, and poor biomechanics of the legs and feet (over pronation rolling inward of the feet whilst running and walking) or indeed supination (rolling out of the feet).
Treatment
Careful attention needs to be paid to the underlying factors behind the development of shin splints, a computerized gait scan assessment can identify pronation versus supination and if necessary orthotics can be engineered to correct the faulty movement pattern thereby correcting the cause.
Application of ice packs reduces inflammation in the acute phase. Calf and front of leg stretching and strengthening as advised by your clinician will also address the biomechanical problems identified and reduce pain.
Our clinical team can offer specific guidance on how to resume your training programme safely to facilitate and optimize recovery.
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