Introduction to Shin Splints

If you are suffering from a medial shin splint the pain and the tenderness will be present on the inner side of the leg. With an anterior shin splint the pain and tenderness is present on the front and outer side of the leg. Whichever you have running and walking may be extremely painful. In severe cases even standing may be painful.

Over pronation is one of the causes and can be described as a condition which causes your arches to flatten out when you stand up. This causes your ankles to roll in towards each other which disturb your normal walking pattern. This causes the structures of the leg to stretch and be put under stress which in turn can cause shin splints. Excessive use or stress syndrome and inappropriate foot wear can also cause shin splints. Even excessive rotation of the hip can cause shin splints.

Some of the symptoms of shin splints are pain or tenderness in the lower leg, redness and the lower leg feeling hot.

The first port of call should be rest as this will allow the lower part of your leg to heal. A good massage or ice massage after exercise can really help as can heat which will help increase circulation. Orthotic insoles are useful because they help prevent over pronation and provide heel cushioning to reduce impact while providing heel stability. Reduce the exercise should be stopped or decreased until shin splints subside, due to the fact that the shin splints are most likely caused by excessive exercise or activity. Shin splint stretches will help ease the pain and a shin support will help speed up recovery. Rather than running go for a light swim this will help maintain fitness while your injury heels. Once your shin splints have heeled then use strengthening exercises which help prevent a re-occurrence of the injury.

Hope this helps

For further information about Heel Pain Causes and Heel Pain Causes

For further information about Smelly Feet and Sweaty Feet