Shin splints are one of the most common causes of leg pain experienced by people at all levels of fitness from athletes to your average person who is just on their feet all day.
When most people get a pain in their lower leg they assume it is shin splints.
However what are shin splints, this is when you have inflammatory (swelling) reaction in the tissues in the lower leg which could also involve the tendons & muscles.
Over exercise is one of the most common causes, another less well known cause is over pronation.
What is over pronation? Normal pronation is the natural way we walk, it is when your feet turn inwards which helps us adapt to the different types of surface we walk on.
With over pronation the foot rolls inwards too much which in turn causes the arch to flatten, causing the soft tissue at the base of the foot to stretch.
This causes the joint surfaces to work at unnatural angles to each other.
When this happens, joints that should be stable become very loose and flexible.
Excessive pronation may initially cause fatigue.
As the problem gets worse strain on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments can cause permanent problems and even deformities.
Different Types of Shin Splints If you are suffering from a medial shin splint you will have pain and tenderness on the inner side of your leg.
With an anterior shin splint you will have pain and tenderness at the front or outside of your leg.
Whichever you have running and even walking can be extremely painful.
In severe cases even standing may be painful, if you suffering like this then it is advisable to seek professional medical advice.
Treatment The first port of call should be rest as this will allow the lower part of your leg to heal due to the fact that one of the most likely caused by excessive exercise.
If you wish to maintain fitness rather than going for a run go for a gentle swim instead.
A good massage or ice massage after exercise can really help as can heat which will help increase circulation.
Specialist insoles are very useful because they help prevent over pronation and provide heel cushioning to reduce stresses while providing heel stability.
Stretches will help ease the pain and a shin support will help speed up recovery.
Once you have heeled then use strengthening exercises which can help prevent a re-occurrence of the injury.
I hope this information helps you