Ouch!! Running and Shin Splints

Don’t let a shin splint or two stop you from working out, if you think you might have them, then read on to see how to shift ‘em…

Shin splints is the common term given to three different types of injury that can occur in the same area of the lower leg. The most common of the three is compartment syndrome which we are going to talk about.

If you are suffering from compartment syndrome, you will generally feel pains in the front of your shin when walking briskly, or running. You have two muscles that work against one another in the lower leg when you walk or run, the big calf muscle at the back, and the smaller anterior tibialis muscle at the front. The calf muscle is a lot bigger than the anterior tibialis muscle, if the calf muscle gets tight, then it puts a lot of pressure on the anterior tibialis muscle. Compartment syndrome is caused by the anterior tibialis swelling inside the muscle skin (sheath) resulting in an increase in pressure to the muscle.

Those most commonly at risk of compartment syndrome are newbie runners. However, over-training can also be a contributory factor.

So try to give your calves a good stretch if they are feeling tight to prevent this happening. If you’ve got a high pain threshold, give your calves a roll on the foam roller – ouch…but so good for you!

If your calves seem to be fine and you still feel pain in the front of your shins, make sure that your trainers are still in good condition as shoes that are past their sell-by date can lead to unnecessary injury.

Again if your shoes are intact and your calves aren’t tight, you may need to consult a physical therapist to see if what the problem is.

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