Shin splints are common terms for pain in the front of your lower legs, which is the shin. In most cases this is caused by the inflammation of the periostium, which is a thin skin-like surrounding and protecting the bone. This is why most diagnosis of these are also called periostitis. Shin splints can be further classified as medial tibial stress syndrome or pain that occurs behind the inner edge of your shin, ‘tibial periostitis’ or pain towards the front part of the leg where bone is tender, and ‘anterior compartment syndrome’ or pain on the outer part of the front of your leg.
Shin splints are often caused by overused muscle. If you are an athlete and you sprint and then jump on hard ground, you will more likely experience shin splints. If you are a person with tight calf muscles or have a bad calf, you are also prone to periostitis. Even if you are just swimming, it is still possible to have this kind of muscle pain. Some symptoms you may experience are bumps over the shin bone, some swelling, pain when stretching the front of your lower leg, and some redness caused by inflammation of the front-side of the shin.
What Are Shin Splint Symptoms & Signs?
Treatment Of Shin Splints: As soon as you suspect having shin splints, take a rest right away for immediate treatment. You should avoid at once any strenuous acts like running and other activities including flexing of the muscles. Cold compress can also work for you to reduce pain and inflammation. Just apply ice to the affected part immediately after your exercise or whenever your shin hurts. Another anti-inflammatory treatment is by taking over-the-counter pain relievers. Make sure to consult your doctor or even your athletic trainer first before taking any. Using shock absorbing insoles in your shoes can also be of help.
Like any of the muscles in your body, you can gradually accustom the muscles of your anterior shin for greater flexibility by having intense exercise, because stretching the shins regularly may not be enough. This will allow your muscles to adapt to rapid stretches and not experience shin splints anymore. You may subject your muscles to a regular heavy stress but in a controlled way so your muscles will be more capable of handling more than the usual amount of stress it was used to. But make sure to do this only after you have completely healed from your previous shin splints. Don’t forget to consult your doctor or professional trainer before engaging yourself in this type of muscle training.
Recommended: Shin Supports
Any questions you want to ask about shin splints, please go to questions and answers for shin splint.
