How Does a Case of Shin Splints Develop?
Other People Are Reading
-
What are Shin Splints?
-
The term "shin splints" is a general description of stress injuries to the front lower leg. These injuries result in the inflammation of the tendons attached to the tibia (shin bone) and the surrounding muscular and fascia tissues in this region. Shin splints feel like a dull ache in the shin area, sometimes constantly and sometimes only while exercising. If the inflammation is too great, it can impinge on nerves and cause numbness or tingling in the foot just below.
Leg Injuries That Can Cause Shin Splints
-
Shin splints aren't exactly a medical condition but more of a symptom of a current leg injury. The most common injury is swollen muscles in the lower leg from overuse, which put pressure on the fascia and tibia. Tiny stress fractures in the tibia can also cause inflammation of these muscles, which can result in shin splints. Collapsed arches can also cause shin splints. The falling arches can pull on the shin muscles and cause them to swell with the extra strain.
-
Activities that Can Cause Shin Splints
-
These stress injuries that cause shin splints are often caused by athletic activities. Some of these activities that have been known to cause shin splints include running up or down hills, sprinting, over-training, excessive running, running in poor-quality athletic shoes and playing sports with continual starts and stops, like basketball or tennis.
-
Resources
- Photo Credit Mayo Clinic
