Shin Splints
The shin (or the front part of the leg) contains a few different groupings of muscles. Shin splints are typically pain on the inside of the shin, but pain may also be felt in the muscle groupings on the very front of the shin, or the outside.
Symptoms of Shin Splints
Commonly, there is pain in the lower two-thirds of the inside of the shin
Pain may be felt on the outside of the shin or the front of the shin
Pain while walking, during exercise or with pressure on the affected area
Causes of Shin Splits
Poor foot mechanics
Being overweight
Sudden activity changes
Muscle imbalances (strength or flexibility)
Unfavourable ground conditions
Pedorthic Pointers for Patients
To prevent and alleviate heel pain, Canadian Certified Pedorthists recommend:
Carefully and slowly increasing activity to allow the tissues of the lower limbs time to properly adapt
Wearing stable and cushioned shoes with sturdy midsoles (the bottom of the shoe) to control motion and provide shock absorption
When the pain does occur, consult a Canadian Certified Pedorthist to determine if an over-the-counter device or a custom-made foot orthotic, along with appropriate footwear, will help the healing process and prevent the recurrence of problems
Avoid going barefoot or just wearing socks while in pain, as poor foot mechanics can aggravate the pain further if not controlled
Icing and simple calf stretching can help alleviate pain associated with shin splints. Patients should ice the affected area for approximately eight minutes, three times a day.