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Leg pain is a fairly common occurrence for athletes—especially long distance runners. Running puts pressure on the joints, including the hips, knees and ankles, as well as on the feet and legs. Whenever pain develops in the lower legs it is often assumed to be shin splints, but shin splints are actually a specific problem that can develop in the shins, the bones that run along the front of the lower legs.

Shin splints are a sort of overuse injury that develop when inflammation builds up around the soft tissues of the lower leg. The injury can develop in two areas surrounding the shin. When they develop on the outer edge of the mid region of the leg, near the shinbone, they are called anterior shin splints. When they develop on the inside of the leg they are referred to as medial shin splints.

So, What Are Shin Splints?

There is some disagreement among experts as to what exactly causes shin splints to develop. The leading theories include:

  • Shin splints may be caused by small tears in muscle that has been pulled off the bone.
  • Inflammation in the tissue sheath that wraps around the shin bone.
  • Inflammation in the muscles surrounding the shin bone.

Many sport and exercise doctors believe that they are actually caused by a combination of several of these factors. What medical experts do agree on is that shin splints are unique to athletes, they are caused by regular physical activity, and whatever is the primary cause of the pain, the best way to treat shin splints seems to be clear.

Because they are caused by overuse, shin splints are pretty much reserved for regular athletes. They can happen to athletes of any age or expertise level, from youth soccer all the way to professional ball players.

Rest Is Best

Experts agree that the best way to treat shin splints is with a combination of rest, ice and stretching. It is recommended to stop running entirely when shin splints first develop, as they will grow worse over time. Secondly, ice the shins regularly to reduce inflammation in the legs. Doing basic Achilles stretches often helps to ease the pain of shin splints and stretch the muscles and tissues surrounding the shin bone.

If you are going to continue working out while struggling with shin splints, the best thing you can do is wrap the injury. Don’t wait too long before seeking the medical expertise of a sports medicine doctor. The sooner you can get treatment and address the pain, the sooner the pain of shin splints can go away.

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

What Exactly Are Shin Splints?

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Leg pain is a fairly common occurrence for athletes—especially long distance runners. Running puts pressure on the joints, including the hips, knees and ankles, as well as on the feet and legs. Whenever pain develops in the lower legs it is often assumed to be shin splints, but shin splints are actually a specific problem that can develop in the shins, the bones that run along the front of the lower legs.

Shin splints are a sort of overuse injury that develop when inflammation builds up around the soft tissues of the lower leg. The injury can develop in two areas surrounding the shin. When they develop on the outer edge of the mid region of the leg, near the shinbone, they are called anterior shin splints. When they develop on the inside of the leg they are referred to as medial shin splints.

So, What Are Shin Splints?

There is some disagreement among experts as to what exactly causes shin splints to develop. The leading theories include:

  • Shin splints may be caused by small tears in muscle that has been pulled off the bone.
  • Inflammation in the tissue sheath that wraps around the shin bone.
  • Inflammation in the muscles surrounding the shin bone.

Many sport and exercise doctors believe that they are actually caused by a combination of several of these factors. What medical experts do agree on is that shin splints are unique to athletes, they are caused by regular physical activity, and whatever is the primary cause of the pain, the best way to treat shin splints seems to be clear.

Because they are caused by overuse, shin splints are pretty much reserved for regular athletes. They can happen to athletes of any age or expertise level, from youth soccer all the way to professional ball players.

Rest Is Best

Experts agree that the best way to treat shin splints is with a combination of rest, ice and stretching. It is recommended to stop running entirely when shin splints first develop, as they will grow worse over time. Secondly, ice the shins regularly to reduce inflammation in the legs. Doing basic Achilles stretches often helps to ease the pain of shin splints and stretch the muscles and tissues surrounding the shin bone.

If you are going to continue working out while struggling with shin splints, the best thing you can do is wrap the injury. Don’t wait too long before seeking the medical expertise of a sports medicine doctor. The sooner you can get treatment and address the pain, the sooner the pain of shin splints can go away.

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

Free Injury Evaluation Clinic

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Bumps n’ Bruises is back!

Our sports medicine physicians will be available every Saturday morning through November for –

  • Free injury assessment by an expert orthopedic specialist and physical therapist
  • Recommended home treatment for simple injuries
  • Treatment options and recovery information available for your coach and athletic trainer
  • Open to every school and athletic program

There are three convenient locations for you to choose from! All locations are available from 9:00AM to 10:00AM for evaluations.

Brooks Rehabilitation CST

  • 10423 Centurion Parkway North, Jacksonville, FL 32256 (Inside the YMCA)

Preferred Physical Therapy Fleming Island

  • 1835 Eastwest Parkway, Suite 16, Fleming Island, FL 32003

Atlas Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine St. Johns

  • 165 Hampton Point Drive, Suite 3, St. Augustine, FL 32092

 

Supplements to Take for Healthier Bones

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The American diet is a leading source of obesity and a range of other health problems, including poor bone health. A 2014 study published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research found that 54 million Americans older than age 50 are affected by osteoporosis or low bone mass. Having weak bones may increase your risk of injury, resulting in the need for specialized orthopedic treatment to avoid long-lasting effects. Fortunately, no matter what your age, supplementing your diet with important vitamins and minerals can improve bone health. (more…)

5 Ways to Ease Back Pain From Scoliosis

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An estimated 5 to 7 million Americans suffer from scoliosis, reports the American Chiropractic Association. This condition is characterized by abnormal curvature of the spine. For most people, the spine is straight and tall to support our body posture. People with scoliosis have a spine that curves more than 10 degrees to the right or left. This spinal curvature contributes to significant back pain but may also negatively affect lung or heart functioning. Addressing the back pain associated with scoliosis is an important way to improve well-being among people who suffer from this condition. (more…)

Why Are Women More at Risk of ACL Injury?

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Although women are often said to have better flexibility than men, they are much more likely to experience knee ligament injuries, according to the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Female athletes who participate in sports involving pivoting or jumping, such as basketball, volleyball and soccer, are two to 10 times more likely to injure a knee ligament than their male counterparts. This has significant implications for training, recovery from injury and lifelong joint health. (more…)

Posture Tips for a Healthy Spine

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Back pain is the number one source of disability worldwide, according to figures from the 2010 Global Burden of Disease Report. With 31 million Americans reporting that they experience back pain, it is important to address this widespread health problem. Although spinal problems can arise due to many causes, poor posture is a leading contributor to back pain and spinal health problems. (more…)

How to Reduce Your Chances of Injury From Exercise

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There is no doubt that regular exercise is a big part of staying healthy. Unfortunately, despite your best efforts, you may find yourself experiencing mild injuries while working out. Exercise injuries can happen to anyone, regardless of their fitness level, experience or ability. Though you may not be able to completely eliminate your chances of getting hurt during exercise, there are some steps you can take to minimize your risk of injury. (more…)

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