Shin Splints

Overview: Shin splints, or medial tibial stress syndrome, refer to pain along the shinbone (tibia). They are common in runners, dancers, and military recruits.

Symptoms

-Tenderness, soreness, or pain along the inner side of your shinbone

-Mild swelling in your lower leg

-If not treated, the pain might progress into a stress fracture

Causes: Shin splints are caused by repetitive stress on the shinbone and the connective tissues that attach your muscles to the bone. This is frequent in athletes who have recently intensified or changed their training routines, overworking their muscles.

Risk factors

-Beginning a running program

-Suddenly increasing the duration, frequency, or intensity of exercise

-Running on uneven surface

-Military training

-Flat feet or high arches

Prevention

-Analyze your movement to better your technique

-Start new activity slowly and avoid overtraining

-If you are a runner, replace your running shoes every 350 to 500 miles

-Use arch supports, especially if you have flat arches

-Use shock-absorbing insoles

-Add strength training to your workout

Treatment

-Rest. During recovery, you can participate in low-impact activities, such as swimming or bicycling.

-Ice: 15-20 minutes each time, 4-8 times a day, for the first 2-3 days

-Pain-reliever. You should probably seek medical guidance.