Whether you’re running errands or running laps, the sharp pain of shin splints can quickly disrupt your daily routine. Learn how to protect yourself from shin splints and fix these problems before they occur.
Medial tibial stress syndrome, or shin splints, is an umbrella term for the pain experienced in front of the lower leg. When excessive stress on the muscles connected to your tibia. These muscles can become irritated and inflamed, generating pain localized in the shin.
Shin splints can easily be mistaken for other injuries like tendonitis or stress fractures because these injuries all share common symptoms of shin pain. At Airrosti, our providers can help pinpoint the underlying cause of your shin pain and give you the tools needed to address injuries at the source. Consult with an Airrosti provider today to start your recovery.
What Causes Shin Splints?
The calf muscles absorb considerable force during high-impact activities, such as running and jumping. Shin splints result from repeatedly overloading these muscles, and often affect people who are very active. Below we share key problems that can cause or worsen shin splints and explore some tips to help avoid this injury while pursuing your fitness goals.
Form
Overpronation, over-supination, and over striding are some faulty foot patterns that can factor into developing shin splints. For athletes, pain often appears in their dominant leg. Analyze your movements to correct any imbalances and make it a habit to practice proper posture.
Footwear
For people with flat feet or those who often run on flat, hard surfaces, inadequate footwear can quickly wear down the leg muscles. Consider buying arch supports and shock-absorbing insoles as a shin buffer. Getting shoes professionally fitted based on your stride can also help ease the pain from shin splints.
Workouts
Shin splints often emerge after ramping up your workout intensity. Sometimes we work too hard or move too fast for our body to adapt to the change. Unstable surfaces or hills can further tax the joints, increasing your risk of a leg injury. Instead, gradually introduce your body to faster paces and new routines.
Muscle Stiffness
Poor flexibility around the ankle can stress the soft tissue along the calf muscles. You can combat muscle stiffness with some calf stretching, foam rolling, and strength exercises to help stabilize your joints and improve your mobility.
How To Fix Shin Splints Fast
Because shin splints result from overuse, proper rest and recovery is essential for healing overworked muscles. If shin splints or other painful injuries are keeping you from doing the things you love most, schedule an appointment with Airrosti. Our providers can help you find the true cause of your pain, develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, and give you educational resources to help you get back on your feet fast. This targeted approach to pain can lead to effective, long-term injury resolution in as few as three visits (based on patient reported outcomes).
Find an Airrosti provider near you to get started. We offer both in-house and virtual appointments to best suit your needs.
Call us today at (866) 504-2409 to learn more.
