Shin Splints

Causes of shin splints

Source: NHS

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It's not always clear what causes shin splints.

They're usually brought on by running or repetitive weight bearing on the legs. It's thought this leads to swelling (inflammation) of the tissue around the shin bone.

Several things can increase your chances of getting shin splints, including:

  • a sudden change in your activity level such as starting a new exerciseplan or suddenly increasing the distance or pace you run
  • running on hard or uneven surfaces
  • wearing poorly fitting or worn-out trainers that don't cushion and support your feet properly
  • being overweight
  • having Flat feet orfeet that roll inwards (known as over-pronation)
  • having tight calf muscles,weak ankles, or a tight Achilles tendon (the band of tissue connecting the heel to the calf muscle)

Articles for Shin Splints

Causes of shin splints

It's not always clear what causes shin splints. They're usually brought on by running or repetitive weight bearing on the legs. It's thought this leads to swelling (inflammation) of the tissue around

Introduction

Find out what shin splints are, how they happen, and what you can do about them.

Other causes of lower leg pain

Pain in the lower legs and shins can also be caused by: stress fractures (tinycracks in the bone) the pain often affects one leg, but can affect both,and is usually focused in a small area; there ma

Preventing shin splints

The following measuresmay help reduceyour chances of gettingshin splints: wear trainers with appropriate cushioning and supportit may help tospeak to an expert ata specialist running shop for advice

Symptoms of shin splints

The main symptom of shin splints is pain inthe shin bones, which run down the front of yourlower legs. The pain tends to: begin soon after starting exercise gradually improve when resting sometime

Treating shin splints at home

Shin splints can usually be treated at home. The followingmay help relieve the pain and allow your legs toheal: rest stop the activity that causes your shin splints for at least two to three weeks;

When to see your GP

It's a good idea to see your GP if your pain doesn't improve despite the treatments mentioned above. Your GP may: ask about your symptoms and examine your legs to try to work out what's causing you