Causes of Shin Splints and Therapies to Heal it

Sharing is caring!

Shin splints can be a very painful experience especially for runners. Shin splints are most commonly caused by extreme repetitive activity which overuses the bone and muscle tissue (osteumatoid bone) in your leg. Other causes of shin splints include flat feet, overweight or obese feet, or a deformity of the foot. Shin splints can also result from a partial break in a bone (extensor tendonitis).

The good news is that there are several treatments available which can heal shin splints and running shoes problems. The key is knowing which treatment works for you. Many doctors will prescribe medication such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen to alleviate pain and inflammation. These medications are very effective if you only have minor shins. However, if you have been injured or have re-injured your shins many times, you should focus on alternative treatments that do not require taking medication every time you step out of the house.

  1. The first thing to do to heal shin splints is to change your running shoes. When you wear the wrong type of shoes, it can increase the risk of injury. Good running shoes will be flexible, soft, shock absorbent, and properly designed to prevent injury. One major cause of shins causing pain is wearing inappropriate running shoes. In this case, your doctor or physical therapist can recommend appropriate running shoes that help you avoid putting pressure on your shins.
  2. The next recommended sports injury treatment is getting plenty of rest. If you work out regularly, the stress builds up over time and causes inflammation in your shins. When you rest, it helps your body recover from the activities that caused the inflammation. A day or so of rest is often all it takes to completely heal shin splints.
  3. One common question about healing shin splints is how to speed up the healing process. The answer is simple: stop doing the things that trigger the pain. You could find yourself in a situation where you are overusing your muscles, causing them to lengthen and develop into more easily broken bones. Avoid running on hard surfaces for long periods of time, and if you must run on the surface, take breaks every ten to fifteen minutes.
  4. Another question people frequently ask about how to heal shin splints is how to get back fast. It is possible to get back to full strength quickly if you follow the advice above. The key is to reduce the amount of stress that is placed on the ligaments. If you continue to exercise without proper stretching techniques, you will strain the ligaments. Make sure that you do stretching exercises every day to get back to full strength quickly.
  5. Stress from jumping rope, changing sports positions quickly, or using the wrong technique can all be contributors to the causes of shin splints. The reason is that all these activities place a tremendous amount of unnatural forces on the legs. The bones and the muscles are not used to these forces, and this leads to an imbalance in bone tissue, forcing the leg to compensate.

Shin splints can be prevented by running on level surfaces as much as possible. Avoid jumping or changing running direction immediately following a strenuous activity. Make sure that you keep your weight and center of gravity on the front of your feet, and don’t press the pedals during your exercise. 

If you’ve had an experience with a shin splint, then your next step is to consult the Healthbound Clinic in Etobicoke. You will be recommended an exercise shoe that supports your center of gravity and prevents direct pressure from the feet on the inner (tibia) and outer (quads) leg bones.

Sharing is caring!

Speak Your Mind

*