Three common cause of shin splints

Information  •  Sun 23 Oct 2022

Shin splints are a common injury among athletes, and there are three leading causes: overuse, improper training, and biomechanical problems. Overuse is the most common cause and can be prevented by taking a break from your sport every few months. Improper training can lead to muscle imbalances that stress the shin muscles, so it's vital to ensure you're working all of your muscle groups evenly. And biomechanical problems can be corrected with orthotics or other custom devices. If you're experiencing shin splints, see a sports medicine specialist determine the cause and get treatment.

Poor running technique

Poor running technique is one of the leading causes of shin splints, a common condition that occurs when there is pain or discomfort in the shin area due to excessive stress on the shinbone and surrounding muscles. This can happen when an individual oversteps, meaning their foot lands too far out in front of them during their running stride.

When an individual oversteps, it puts a lot of stress on the shin bone, which can cause inflammation and pain in this area—leading to pain and difficulty walking or running.

You can do several things to prevent or reduce your risk of developing shin splints due to poor running technique. For starters, focusing on proper form and technique while running is important. Your foot should land directly underneath your body with every step, rather than landing far out in front of you.

Strengthening

You can also work on strengthening your shins through exercises such as calf raises and toe raises, which will help support this essential muscle group and protect it from injury. 

Overuse or Overtraining

Shin splints are common injuries that can occur due to overuse or overtraining when running. This can happen if you push yourself too hard or do not allow your body adequate time to rest and recover between training sessions. Factors contributing to shin splints include:

• Poor running form
• Running in worn-out shoes.
• Improper footwear for your foot type.

To prevent shin splints, it is essential to be mindful of how much you are pushing yourself during training sessions and to listen to your body's cues when it is telling you it needs a break. It would help if you also focused on improving your running form and wearing the right shoes for your foot type and the types of surfaces you are running on. Additionally, taking regular breaks from running by incorporating cross-training activities into your routine can help reduce your risk of experiencing shin splints. 

Suppose you are experiencing shin splints or want to prevent them from developing while training, it is best to book an appointment with our Sports Podiatrist sooner rather than later. We will be able to assess the cause of your shin splints and provide you with the appropriate treatment plan to get you back running as soon as possible. Make an appointment to have your running assessed today!