Shin Splints are a common problem that many of your clients have probably dealt with at some point in their lives. The term "shin splints" is a catch-all term signified by localized pain in the lower leg. Any lower leg pain can qualify as a shin splint. Technically, it is tibial stress syndrome and is caused by chronic strain, overuse and micro trauma of the anterior/posterior tibialis muscle, calf muscle at its origin on the shinbone or deep inflamation of the connective tissue that covers the bone (periosteum) of the tibia beneath the posterior tibialis muscle.

According to the American Runners and Fitness Association, shin splints are leg pain resulting from very small tears in the leg muscles at their point of attachment to the shin. Typically, shin splints manifest on two places: anterior shin splints occur in the front portion of the tibia, and posterior shin splints occur on the inside (medial) part of the leg along the tibia.

Anterior shin splints are due to muscle imbalances, insufficient shock absorption or toe running. Excessive pronation contributes to both anterior and posterior sin splints. The pain ma begin as a dull aching or burning after activities such as running, jumping or aerobics. If ignored, the aching may become more intense, even during waling. There is often point tenderness along the tibia, either posterior or anterior.

Common Causes
Shin splints have many causes, the most common of which is overuse and lack of appropriate rest. There are also several other contributing factors. These include the following:
Tightness in the posterior muscle
Running on hard non-resilient surfaces
Worn or improper shoes
Inappropriate running gate. The lower meg muscles suffer a tremendous amount of stress when a runner lands on the balls of the feet (toe running), without the normal heel contact.
Excessive pronation (running on the inside of the foot)
Too much, too fast, too soon: rapid increase of speed or distance.

Treatment
Treatment of shin splints is not complicated, but it can be frustration because it must involve rest, and for the active person, rest is a four letter word. Treating shin splints involves:
Ice immediately after activity
Aspirin or ibuprofen to reduce inflamation and relieve pain
Reduce mileage and intensity for seven to 10 days; never run through painAvoid hills and hard surfacesA varus wedge (arch support) to support the inside of the foot and a reduction in the amount of pronation Gentle stretching of the posterior leg and thigh muscles.

Treatment of shin splints is not complicated, but it must involve rest, and for the active person, rest is a four-letter word.
Some more dramatic treatment when sin pain is persistent can include the following:
Strengthening and flexibility programs to correct muscle imbalance. These exercises should only be done in the absence of pain.
Anti-inflammatory medications
Physical therapy involving ice massage, ultra-sound, electro stimuli and heat to reduce inflammation and pain
Although very common, shin splints are an easily treatable condition that doesn't have to slow down your clients. By making them mindful of the causes, your clients should be able to avoid future shin splint injuries and get back to enjoying the activities they love.