What Kinds of People Commonly Get Shin Splints?
The common profile or characteristics of people who gets shin splint injuries are athletes (e.g. runners, soccer and basketball players) and other individuals (e.g. dancers and soldiers under intense training) who engages in activities that involves excessive running, jogging, jumping and walking. Shin splints injury can occur suddenly right after the activity but for most it is gradual; however it is possible to cure shin splints.
Individuals susceptible to shin splints are those who suddenly changes or increases their exercise practices or training. That is, when they run longer distances than their normal range, going out their usual routes like going uphill and adding more hours and days in their normal schedule. The sudden changes causes stress on their lower legs which are not accustomed to the added burden, this can lead to tearing and/or inflammation of the muscles, bones and tendons. The body has the natural ability to heal itself but the sudden change overwhelms the body, thus, it cannot function normally. Remember that it always is important to pace yourself to minimize the stress and shock on your body, especially when you are planning to change your exercise routine. Also, because during exercise there is always added weight that your shin has to carry the sudden change may be too much of a burden.
In addition, shin splints also occur because of the over flattening of the arch of the feet, when you walk or run for long a period of time over a hard surface and when you are not wearing the right shoe for the activity. Remember that there is a reason that for every sport, there is a specific type of shoe required.
Shin splints are usually located on lower inner portion of the tibia and/or upper outer portion of the tibia. You can check by using your index and middle finger to press on and around the painful area. The pain is usually along 2-3 inches. To be certain check with your physician, he can give you the right diagnosis and prescription to cure shin splints.