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Causes of Shin Splints



Diverse factors can be listed as causes of shin splints. The pain associated with shin splints varies as per the intensity of the damage inflicted to the muscles and bone tissue. A few common causes of shin splints are as stated below.

• Vigorous physical activity or aggressive exercise workouts are a prime cause of shin splints. The muscles of the lower limbs are suddenly subjected to extreme physical stress and results in pain along the tibia.
• Shin splints can also occur if the intensity or duration of a physical exercise is altered, without much room for the muscles of the legs to recover. Runners, gymnasts and aggressive walkers are prone to this condition. This is because the repetitive stress by the motion of the legs gives way to pain or inflammation of the tissues.
• People who are flat footed are also victims to shin splints. This is because the muscles of the leg are not capable of withstanding the impact of strenuous physical exercise.
• Weak core muscles or tight muscles of the ankles and legs can pave the way for Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome. While exercising, these muscles do not flex according to the motion of the limbs. Thus the result is, pain followed by inflammation of a layer of tissues surrounding the bones.
• Prior to any form of physical exercise, an adequate warm up of the body is a must. Lack of warm up is a major cause for shin splints.
• Engaging in excessive physical activity, quite suddenly, can also result in trauma to the muscles of the lower limbs. The body is not accustomed for the impact and responds by succumbing to the repetitive stress.
• Exercises that include running on hard or tilted surfaces can also result in shin splints. The muscles along the tibia absorb the entire shock resulting in lingering pain, even after the activity ceases.
• Lack of well-cushioned sports shoes adds to the probability of acquiring shin splints. The muscles of the feet and lower leg absorb the shock of the pounding motion of the legs. They, in turn, give way to pain and inflammation of the tissues of the bones.
• Excessive inward rotation of the ankles and other muscular imbalances on the anterior and posterior sides of the legs also make the body more susceptible to injury.
• People who are at a major risk of shin splints include those on a running exercise regime with a number of halts, aerobic and gymnastics personnel, people involved in sports like basketball and those engaged in military training.