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Treatments and Prevention of Shin Splints
Shin splints are a common injury among athletes and runners. People with shin splints often complain of pain in the front and side of the leg. Shin splints are caused by the muscles on the front and sides of the leg being overtaxed. Shin splints start as a dull ache of the muscles over the shin after periods of walking and running. A person afflicted with shin splints may feel tenderness in and around the shin. While most shin splints heal on their own with time, they may become extremely painful if untreated and even develop into stress fractures.
Shin splints are caused by small tears in the muscle where they connect to the shin bone. Shin splints with tears on the side are called posterior shin splints. Splints with tears in front of the tibia characterize anterior shin splints.
Shin splints are usually caused by exercise and stresses on the muscles and tissues of the leg. The anterior leg muscles can tear with a lot of contact with hard surfaces while running, and with physical activity that requires a lot of jumping. Overuse of shoes while exercising can cause shin splints when the soles no longer have the needed padding required to protect the muscles of the leg. Running or walking in people with flat feet are more at risk. Individuals having feet with high arches have feet that are less suited to absorb the shock of the road while moving.
Most methods in the prevention of shin splints involve strengthening the muscles around the shin, increasing flexibility and using shoes that are good shock absorbers. Physical therapists and orthopedic doctors often recommend increasing the strength of the muscles and soft tissues around the tibia. Stretches can make the muscles around the tibia more flexible and healthy. Quality footwear can take some of the pressure off the feet and lower leg when coming in contact with the ground. Also try to avoid running on rigid surfaces too often or leaping on the balls of the feet.
Treatments for shin splints also include resting the muscles on the lower half of the leg and putting ice over the affected areas after physical activity. Other options include over the counter pain medications like advil and Tylenol to reduce inflammation.
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