Shin Splints Causes and Prevention
Shin splints are a common source of pain among athletes, being the cause of 13% of all running injuries. These aches are either felt while exercising or after. Sometimes it is a chronic pain or it goes away once you've stopped exercising. If you think you have shin splints, put your workout on hiatus and see a doctor. Shin splints, otherwise known as tibial stress syndrome, are basically a symptom of an underlying problem within your legs or feet. If you continue to work out when you have shin splints, the pain and problem can worsen. Consult your doctor if you think you are having pain from shin splints.
What Are the Causes of Shin Splints?
Shin splints pain most likely occurs as a result of swollen and over-used muscles, stress fractures in the lower leg or overpronation. Leg muscles can swell, become irritated and therefore painful if you forget to warm-up or stretch before an exhausting work out. Stress fractures (hairline breaks in bones) can form if there is an intense change to the work out, being the power you propel or switching to a harder, less forviging work out surface. Overpronation can slowly occur if you are not wearing proper athletic shoes or arch support inserts. If you continue to work out without proper arch support, your feet's arches will drop, therefore increases your chances for foot pain, shin splints pain, foot fatigue and possible other problems.
How To Prevent Shin Splints
A lot of athletes will experience shin splints, but they can be prevented. Wear high-quality, supportive and cushioned athletic shoes, and do not wear worn-out athletic shoes. If your athletic shoes do not have arch support for your feet, buy arch support inserts to reduce your chances of getting foot fatigue or flat feet. Cushioned and moisture-wicking athletic socks are also beneficial for your foot health. Take the time to stretch before you do any type of physical activity and we recommend you warm up before partaking in an intense work out. Run or work out on soft surfaces, like a padded floor, grass or sand, to prevent hairline fractures causing shin splints. Build an exercise program for yourself where you gradually train harder each day to lower your chances of getting shin splints pain; don't take huge leaps in your work out routine, because that can inflame your muscles. Give your muscles enough rest in between strenuous work outs. If you think you have shin splints, stop exercising and consult your doctor.