Shin splints, aka medial tibial stress syndrome, causes pain along the length of the front of your shinbone, or tibia.
Considered an overuse injury, shin splint pain is caused by microtears or inflammation of connective tissue that attaches muscle to bone. Medial tibial stress syndrome feels very similar to Achilles tendonitis.
Shin splints can hobble recreational or trained athletes alike. Yet, this shin pain most commonly causes some limping in beginning runners and aggressive walkers, largely because of their prior inactivity.
Various other fitness related circumstances can also be a cause for medial tibial stress syndrome, such as:
- flat arches
- improper shoes
- running downhill
- weak ankle muscles
- tight Achilles tendon
- running on a hard surface
- running on a slanted surface
- running in worn out athletic shoes
- over training ~ too hard, too fast, too long
- frequent starts & stops ~ basketball & tennis
Typically, medial tibial stress syndrome initially causes its pain at the start of your fitness routine and then will likely diminish, only to return well after you finish.
Shin splints are not the only cause of shin pain. Your shins can be painful due to:
- tendonitis
- stress fracture
- anterior compartment syndrome
Generally, having medial tibial stress syndrome is harmless. Still, the shin pain can be very excruciating.
Relief treatment starts by refraining from, or at least cut back on, the activity that caused your shin splints until they’re healed, which may take several months. Other measures that help relieve your shin pain are:
- wear arch supports to disperse shin stress
- ice your shins until they go numb several times a days
- take OTC pain relievers ~ ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, acetaminophen
- elevate & compress the area with a wide elastic bandage or compression sleeve
Once relief treatment has brought your shin pain to a halt, resume your previous activity gradually. And if your shin hasn’t mended, then returning too soon will likely cause the pain to resume.
One of the key elements to preventing medial tibial stress syndrome shin pain is fitness footwear. Your choice of shoes must be suited for your foot type, your stride and your particular fitness activity. And continuing to wear worn out shoes is especially egregious for your shin and other muscle attachment sites.
Click Here for Free Weight Loss Coaching