What are shin splints?

Shin splints can occur when the muscles that surround the shin bone become overworked and as a result become inflamed/irritated. There are two types: Anterior Shin Splints and Posterior Shin Splints. Anterior shin splints occur on the front of your shin while posterior shin splints occur on the back side of your shin.

What causes shin splints?

There are many causes of shin splints, some include: 

  • Repetitive stress or overuse (overtraining, especially in runners)  

  • Placing excessive strain on your feet from running downhill or on hard surfaces 

  • Working out without stretching 

  • Having flat feet 

  • Wearing poor fitting or worn-out footwear 

  • Having weak or tight muscles in the foot or ankle

What are the symptoms of shin splints?

The most common signs/symptoms of shin splints are: 

  • Pain in the ankle after activity 

  • Pain in the shin after activity 

  • Swelling or tenderness along the shin

  • Cramping along the shin

How can I relieve my shin splints?

The duration of pain can vary from person to person.  We will try our best to speed up your recovery process and get you back to doing the activities you love.  At the Active Relief Centre, we place an emphasis on assessment and finding out why you are experiencing shin splints. This allows us to be more specific with your treatment and provide you with rehabilitation exercises tailored to your body. Contact one of our clinics today and make us a part of your road to recovery.