How To Stop Shin Splints

Shin Splints, also known as Medial Tibial Pain Syndrome is a common injury most often associated with runners, as many as 20% of runners claim to have suffered from Shin Splints at some point in their lives.

The condition often starts with a dull pain in the shin area shortly after running, the pain will often worsen only to go away until your next running session when it will return.  Many runners chose to run through the pain at this stage however it is of paramount importance that you refrain from doing so.  Running through the pain will only cause your condition to worsen, you will be forced to rest for longer meaning no running for extended periods of time, and in the worst case scenario you can cause yourself a stress fracture of the shin bone, which could potentially mean you are unable to run again.

Most commonly Shin Splints are caused when runners make a change to their usual running routine or increase the intensity of their routine too quickly.

There are many methods of treatment for Shin Splints, however a substantial percentage of those who have suffered from the injury will do so again throughout their lives.  Rest and ice is the most common initial treatment for Shin Splints, this will reduce swelling and inflammation of the area and give the shin time to heal.  Anti-Inflammatory painkillers may also be prescribed should inflammation of the area be too severe for ice alone.  It may also be advisable to invest money in treatment methods such as neoprene sleeves and orthotics.

Prevention however is usually the most effective strategy in the treatment of Shin Splints.  Before and after every running session you should be doing preventative exercises.  Look into heel drops, one-legged bridges and shin stretches, these are important for preparing your Tibial area for exercise and warming the area down post-run.

Should you be having reoccurring cases of Shin Splints regularly then you should consider visiting your local running store and inquiring about Gait Analysis.  This consists of undertaking a series of running tests and examinations in order to discover a runners degree of pronation.

The 2 main types of pronation are Overpronation and Underprontation (Supination).  Overpronation is when the foot rolls inward too much, and Underpronation is when the foot does not roll inwards enough.  Figuring out which degree of pronation you have will allow you to make wiser choices of running shoe and should lessen outbreaks of Shin Splints.

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