Shin splints are a common athletic injury. They occur when the tissues surrounding the tibia (the major bone in the lower leg) become inflamed. Inflammation can occur in the medial (inner) tissue or anterior (front) tissue of the tibia. The pain localizes anywhere between 1 and 9 inches above the foot. For medial inflammation, the pain will feel as if it is coming from deep within the leg. Anterior inflammation will be felt in the outer region of the leg. Though shin splints are associated with athletics, they afflict amateurs and experts alike. Even someone who simply walks a few times a week can come down with shin splints. There are several different causes for the inflammation. Often it’s a case of over training. Too much stress is put on the lower legs. Again, this can occur when a well-trained athlete with a rigorous physical fitness routine goes overboard. Or when an overzealous amateur decides he’s going to start exercising again and runs in poor physical condition. Sometimes footwear is responsible for shin splints. If athletic shoes are not designed with the proper shock absorption, they can put undue stress on the feet and lower legs. Old shoes also can lead to a lack of adequate support. The general rule of thumb is to discard athletic shoes after 400 miles. The surface that you run on is also important. Hard or uneven surfaces tend to put extra stress on your legs. Avoid running on concrete whenever possible. Some people are predisposed to shin splints. People with flat feet tend to over pronate each time they take a step. This means that as the arch collapses, the ankle rolls inward. This inward motion puts stress on the ankle and lower legs and often leads to injuries such as shin splints. People with tight calf muscles or hips that rotate excessively are also more likely to have problems with their shins. The best way to treat shin splints is to give your body a rest. Cut back your exercise routine for a while, or take a few days off. The severity of shin splints can vary greatly so some people will simply be a little sore while other will be unable to put any weight on their legs at all. Crutches and insoles may be helpful when it comes to getting around comfortably. Stretching and swimming are good alternatives when it comes to low-stress physical fitness. If the problem is particularly severe, or reoccurs, talk to your doctor or coach as soon as possible.
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The best way to treat shin splints is to give your body a rest. Cut back your exercise routine for a while, or take a few days off.
Jane Barron works for OddShoeFinder.com,a free online website that helps people find mismatched footwear.Get more information on deformed feet, corrective shoes or foot length difference.
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