Shin Splints

By: Rogelia Garcia

What are shin splints

• A shin splint is a result from fatigue and or trauma to the muscles, tendons where they attach themselves to the tibia.

• In an effort to keep the foot ankle and lower leg stable the muscles exert a great force on the tibia. This excessive force can result in the tendons being partially torn away from the bone.

Who is more effected by shin splints

• Athletes

• Runners

• Dancers

• Aggressive walkers

How to avoid Shin splints

• Buy good quality running shoes• Be careful about increasing exercising

workouts• Take a day or two of rest• Watch the camber on streets• Warm up before exercising• Watch your running form• Listen to your body

Overload causes include

• Exercising on hard surfaces, like concrete

• Exercising on uneven ground

• Beginning an exercise program after a long lay-off period

• Increasing exercise intensity or duration too quickly

• Exercising in worn out or ill fitting shoes

• Excessive uphill or down hill running

Treatments for shin splints

• rest• Icing the shin• Anti-flammatory

painkillers• Arch supports for your

shoes• Range of motion

exercises• Neoprene sleeve• Compression• Elevation