Shin Splints

(www.beginnertriathlete.com)

Shin Splints are also very common injuries for many athletes. Shin splints are simply inflammation caused by running on hard surfaces, running on tiptoes, and excessive jumping. They can be very painful but are usually not difficult to treat. Prevention is also quite easy so you should have no problem staying away from this unnecessary pain. :)


Symptoms: Pain on the front of the leg below the knee (basically your shin, go figure), the area of discomfort usually spans 4-6 inches and the pain is most noticable during the beginning and last stages of a workout. This pain usually begins as a dull ache but with increasing stress over time can become severe enough to completely halt workouts

Anatomy: the periostium of the tibia

Treatment: Rest (the sooner the better), ice during the acute stages of pain, apply heat after the more acute pain has subsided (& esp. before you exercise), wear shock absorbing insoles, maintain fitness with several non-weight bearing exercises
~ A sports injury specialist can prescribe anti-inflammatory medication, tape your ankle for support, evaluate your running tendencies to check for over pronation, use massage techniques on posterior deep muscle (avoiding periostium)


Prevention: Wear properly fitting shoes with sufficient arch support, keep your legs well strengthened, cross train with an activity that reduces impact of your legs such as swimming or biking instead of running