If you are an athlete or runner, chances are you have experienced shin splints at some point. This is a very common injury, especially among runners. They can be quite painful and make it difficult to continue training. But don’t worry, there are ways to heal it and prevent them from happening again. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of it, how to diagnose them, and most importantly, how to prevent and treat them. Keep reading to learn more!
What Are Shin Splints
Shin splints or medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) is a common condition that causes pain along the shinbone. It is usually caused by overuse and can be quite painful if not treated properly. If you’ve experienced shin splint pain, you know how debilitating it can be. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent shin splint and heal them quickly.
Shin splint can be a difficult injury to deal with, but with the right treatment and prevention measures, you can heal it quickly and get back to your active lifestyle. Be sure to follow the advice above and speak with your doctor about it if you are experiencing shin pain or discomfort.
Causes Shin Splints
Shin splints are typically caused by overuse, such as running too much or for longer than normal periods of time. If you’ve gone from being a casual runner to trying to increase your distance and speed quickly, a shin splint can occur. It is also important to use the proper running shoes and running surface, as a shin splint can be caused by improper form or poor shock absorption.
Diagnoses
If you’re experiencing shin pain, it is best to seek medical advice from a doctor as a shin splint can be mistaken for other injuries, such as compartment syndrome or stress fractures. A doctor can do an exam and possibly take an X-ray to determine if you have a shin splint or something else. This is the only way to make sure you get the correct diagnosis and treatment for a shin splint.
Preventions
One of the best ways to prevent shin splints is by building up your shin muscles. You can do this by doing shin and calf strengthening exercises like shin raise or standing calf raise. Additionally, make sure to stretch before and after any physical activity. Stretching your calves helps to maintain flexibility in the shin area and prevent shin splint from occurring.
Also, it is important to always use proper running form and wear the proper shoes for your running type. Your shoes should be comfortable, fit properly, and provide adequate shock absorption.
Treatment
The treatment for shin splints depends on the severity of the injury and how long it has been present. Generally, you will need to rest from any activities that may have caused the shin splint, such as running or jumping. You can also use ice and heat to reduce inflammation and pain in the shin area. Additionally, you may need to take anti-inflammatory medications prescribed by a doctor.
Once your shin splint is healed, it is important to slowly begin activity again, starting with low-impact exercises, such as swimming or cycling. It would be best if you also continued doing shin strengthening and stretching exercises regularly to prevent shin splint from reoccurring.
What Doctors Say
Doctors generally agree that shin splints can be a difficult injury to deal with, but with the right treatment and prevention measures, you can heal shin splints quickly and get back to your active lifestyle. They suggest taking the proper precautions when running or participating in high-impact activities. This includes wearing good shoes, using proper form, and slowly and gradually increasing intensity. Additionally, doctors recommend shin strengthening exercises and stretching to prevent shin splint from occurring or recurring. Finally, if shin splint pain persists despite prevention measures, it is important to seek medical advice from a doctor to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment of shin splint.
By following these tips, you can help reduce your chances of shin splint or recurring shin splint pain. Remember to always take care of yourself and listen to your body to ensure you stay healthy and active!
FAQs
What are shin splints?
A Shin splint is a common running injury that causes pain in the shin area due to overuse or improper form while running. They can be caused by too much intensity or distance, as well as improper shoes or running surfaces.
How do I diagnose shin splints?
If shin pain persists, it is best to seek medical advice from a doctor to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. A doctor can do an exam and possibly take an X-ray to determine if you have a shin splint or something else.
What kind of treatments is available for shin splints?
The treatment for these splints depends on the severity of the injury and how long it has been present. Generally, you will need to rest from any activities that may have caused splints, such as running or jumping. Additionally, you may need to take anti-inflammatory medications prescribed by a doctor, use ice and heat to reduce inflammation and pain in the shin area, and slowly begin activity again once the shin splint is healed.
What can I do to prevent shin splints?
One of the best ways to prevent shin splint is by building up your shin muscles through regular exercises, such as shin raises or standing calf raises. Additionally, it is important to use the proper running form and wear the proper shoes for your running type. Finally, be sure to increase intensity and duration gradually to avoid shin splint from developing.