Shin Pain
Shin splints is a term used to describe pain along the shin bone (Tibia). They are a common sporting injury. Symptoms can include: sharp pain, aching and/or slight swelling along the shin. Pain generally worsens with increased duration or intensity of running or jumping activities. Pain generally subsides after exercise ceases.
Shin splints are soreness in the musculature on the front of the shin. It is usually as a result of the muscle tearing away from its insertion on the shin bone. These muscles are responsible for bending the foot upwards at the ankle (dorsiflexion). Worn out footwear, muscle weakness or tightness and running on hard surfaces can all cause shin splints. Shin splints often occur if there has been an increase in running mileage or an alteration in or wearing out of training footwear. It often occurs in those with ‘Flat Feet’ where the foot and leg roll inwards too much (pronate). This rotation overloads and abnormally pulls at the muscles and tendons in the shin. Often pain will not come on until you are a few kms into your run.
If you have shin splints and you continue to follow the same training regime and wear the same footwear your condition is likely to worsen, so you should rest prior to your podiatry assessment. ‘Running through’ the pain is not advisable.
If you live in Mount Hawthorn, North Perth or Leederville see one of the Podiatrists at Oxford Street Podiatry for treatment of your shin pain.