“Shin Splints” is a term used for pain in the front of your shins, mostly from overuse in runners, jumpers, or hikers. The pain runs along the tibia (lower leg bone) where the muscles insert. The 2 most common muscles involved in shin splints are the tibialis anterior and the tibialis posterior. Tibialis posterior acts to move your foot inward, and brings your toes away from your nose.
What Causes Shin Splints?
Shin Splints can be caused by several different things including:
- Overtraining
- Increasing mileage or pace too quickly
- Not varying mileage, pace, or surface on which you are running
- Poor Footwear
- Shoes that are worn out
- Incorrect shoes for your type of foot
- Shoes with poor shock absorption
- Poor running mechanics
- Lack of hip strength
- Excessive pronation or supination at the foot
- lack of ankle strength
- Tightness in the calf or hamstring
- Excessive stride length
What Can I Do About My Shin Splints?
The first thing you need to do is STOP running and jumping or this can easily develop into a stress fracture. Call a physical therapist to assess your body mechanics, strength/flexibility, and to determine the cause of your shin splints, so you can resolve the problem and get back to your activity safely.
Give us a call today if you are experiencing shin splints so we can help you live your life to the fullest! 703-450-4300
CLICK HERE to learn about more sports injuries that can occur!
