Shin Splints
Shin Splints is another type of injury related to exercise or sports activities, which involves inflammation of muscles, tendons, and soft tissues around the shinbone. Symptoms include pain in the inner part of the shin. Shin splints are commonly found among runners, especially marathon runners.
Causes of Shin Splints
The main cause is often heavy exercise, use of muscles or soft tissues around the bone through repetitive movements. It is commonly found in runners who start running, suddenly increase distance or duration of their runs, or those returning to running after a long break. It is also found in people with flat feet and from wearing inappropriate footwear.
Prevention and Care for Shin Splints
- If you experience pain, you should rest, apply cold compresses, wrap with a compression bandage, and take pain relief medication.
- Regularly stretch the lower leg muscles.
- Gradually increase running intensity; do not rapidly increase distance.
- Wear appropriate and well-fitted shoes.
- For those with flat feet, wearing insoles can help reduce pressure on the shins. Alternatively, consult an orthopedic specialist to get custom shoes suited for your feet.
- Pain in the shin area should subside within at least 2 weeks before starting to run again.
