Shin Splints

Shin splints or medial tibial stress syndrome is a common injury in runners and other athletes. 

I see it in all ages of people, however most often in the younger population. 

What is shin splints?

Pain in the inner part of the lower leg. The muscles on this part of your leg become inflamed leading to the pain. You can usually pinpoint the exact spot of pain along the shin bone.

Shin splints are not a serious injury but can be debilitating to the athlete when they have it. For more information check out this article.

I have also seen other injuries that started out as shin splints, including turf toe and even stress fractures.

Causes of Shin Splints:

• Overtraining
• Growth spurts
• Improper footwear
• Flat feet

Throughout my sophomore year in high school, I suffered from shin splints no matter what I did. I later realized it was because I was going through a major growth spurt and my muscles were working overtime.

Exercises to Help with Shin Splints

Eccentric calf raises

4-way ankle 

SLR 

Lateral walking

SL bridges

Elevated toe raises

Like most other exercises I prescribe, performing 3 sets of 10 repetitions is best. Also, take your time with it and build up the resistance.

Most of these exercises are also ones I would give to someone with ankle injuries. For more information on ankle injuries, check out that blog post here.

Other treatments

• Ice 
• Compression stockings
• Rest
• Supportive shoes

These other treatments should be used in addition to the exercises. It is also recommended to begin running or working out again slowly and building up to where you were before the pain.

Shin splints are a common injury that happens often but is also easily treated and prevented.