Are You Running into Shin Splints?

It's that time of year again.  It seems like all my friends have been running in their spare time getting ready for the Race for the Cure, that is held annually in Toledo.  The majority practice their running on side streets or county roads which have a hard, paved surface.  It's this type of surface which can lead to causing shin splints.

You may ask, what are shin splints?  Well, shin splints aren't really a single medical condition.  They are just a symptom of an underlying problem.  They might be caused by:

•  swollen or irritated muscles which is often a result of overuse. 
• stress fractures-tiny hairline breaks in the lower leg bones.
• overpronation or flat feet-when the impact of each step causes the arch of your foot to collapse and the muscles and tendons in your foot stretch.

Shin splints are a very common ailment.  13% of all running injuries are caused by shin splints.  Some reasons runners might get them include changing the surface they are running on-like running on a dirt path then switching to asphalt-or changing the intensity or their workout.  Shin splints are also common in dancers as well.

You may think to yourself, I have been having leg cramps but are these shin splints?  You can tell if they are shin splints by the dull aching pain in the front of the lower leg.  Some feel pain just during exercise while others feel it after they have stopped exercising.  The pain can also be consistent.

Depending on what your exact cause may be, your pain can be either located along either side of the shinbone or in the muscles.  This area may be very tender and painful to touch.  You may also experience muscle swelling which can irritate the nerves in the feet, causing them to feel weak or numb.

Your doctor will want to give you a physical exam in order to diagnose shin splints.  X-rays or bone scans may be necessary to look for fractures.

Even thought shin splints can have many causes, the treatments are all the same.  Give your body a rest so the underlying problem can heal.  You can also try:

• Icing down the shin.  This will help to reduce the pain and the swelling.  Make sure you spend between 20-30 minutes every three to four hours for two to three days, or until the pain has subsided.



Cho-Pat Shin Splint Compression Sleeve

• Use anti-inflammatory medications.  Ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin will help with the pain and the swelling.  Be careful, some of these drugs can have side effects such as increased risk of bleeding and ulcers.  You should only use these medications occasionally unless specified by your doctor.
• Get arch supports for your shoes.  You can either get custom-molded  or buy off the shelf.  These may also help with flat feet.
• Start range of motion exercises-if your doctor recommends them.
• Buy a Shin splint compression sleeve.  This will help support and warm the leg.
• Start physical therapy to strengthen the muscles in your shins.

There is no way of telling when your shin splints will go away.  It depends on what is causing them and the time it takes your body to heal.  Everyone heals at different rates.  The most important thing to remember is to not rush back into your sport.  If you start exercising before your shin splints have healed, you could have permanent damage. 

You can tell when you are healed when your injured leg is just as flexible and strong as your other leg.  You can also tell that you are healed when you can jog, sprint, and jump without pain and when x-rays are normal or show stress fractures have healed.

Preventative measures you can take include wearing good supportive and padded shoes, warming up the muscles in your legs before working out; making sure to stretch the muscles.  You should also stop working out as soon as you feel pain in your shins as well as not running or playing on hard surfaces like concrete.

If you have any questions regarding shin splints or other foot problems you may have, call Dr. Vail's office at 419-423-1888 to schedule an appointment or visit us on our website at:  www.vailfoot.com.