If you’re a runner, you may be familiar with shin splints – a common injury that can occur when running. But what are shin splints, exactly? And how can you prevent them from happening?
Shin splints are a common problem for athletes and those who engage in physical activity. Despite being so prevalent, many people don’t know what shin splints are, how to treat them, or how to prevent them from occurring in the first place.
Here, we’ll discuss what causes shin splints, how to treat them, and how to prevent them from happening in the first place. Stay safe out there!
Shin Splints
Shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome, are a condition that results from overuse or repetitive impact on the shinbone and the connective tissue surrounding it.
Shin splints are often caused by overuse, such as running or playing sports. However, they can also be caused by sudden changes in activity level, improper footwear, or flat feet. Symptoms of shin splints include pain along the shinbone, swelling, stiffness, and tenderness to the touch. If left untreated, they can lead to more serious injuries such as stress fractures.
Cause of Shin Splints
There are a few primary causes of shin splints. The first is overpronation when your foot rolls inward excessively when you run. This can cause the muscles and tendons in your leg to stretch and tear.
Another common cause of shin splints is tight calf muscles. When your calf muscles are too tight, they excessively strain your shins. This can also lead to inflammation and pain.
Furthermore, shin splints can also be caused by running on hard surfaces. This puts additional stress on your shins and can lead to pain and inflammation.
Treatments of Shin Splints
There are a few different things you can do to treat shin splints. The first is to rest. This will give your body a chance to heal and recover from the inflammation and pain.
You can also ice your shins for 20 minutes at a time. This will help reduce the swelling and pain.
You can stretch and massage your calf muscles. This will help loosen them up and reduce the strain on your shins.
Preventative Measures
There are a few things you can do to prevent shin splints. The first is to warm up before you run or play sports. This will help loosen your muscles and prepare your body for activity.
You should also wear proper shoes. Shoes that are too loose or too tight can contribute to shin splints. You should also avoid running on hard surfaces. Instead, run on softer surfaces like grass or soil.
Strengthen your calf muscles. This will help to take the strain off of your shins. Finally, you can stretch your calf muscles regularly. This will help to keep them loose and reduce the risk of shin splints.
If you’re experiencing shin splints, it’s best to contact a chiropractor for help. There are many ways to treat and prevent shin splints, so don’t let this common injury keep you from enjoying your favorite activity!
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