By Natasha Vani, MSc., A.T.
Spring is right around the corner and with the shinning sun and mild weather comes the parade of outdoor runners. Some of us head outside to enjoy a simple workout in the beautiful conditions, others are training for their first marathon and still others run to condition themselves for their favorite summer sport. Whatever the case may be, we all want to avoid the most common too-much-too-soon injury—shin splints!
What is it?
Shin splints is a wastebasket term referring to general pain usually located on the inside, lower end of the shinbone. The term refers to a variety of different conditions, however the most common is medically known as medial tibial stress syndrome. (Medial simply refers to the inside and tibial refers to the tibia bone, one of the two bones of the lower leg.) The tibia is significant because it connects to both the ankle and the knee joint. It is, in fact, the only bone of the lower leg that plays a role in both joints and thus serves as the only weight-bearing bone of the lower leg. This means it must absorb all the force traveling up the leg each time you step.
Some of the major muscles that control movement at the ankle and foot reside on the tibia. With heavy running, these muscles become fatigued and alter the natural movement at the joints. The result is less efficient shock-absorbing mechanics. When you run, you place up to five times your body weight on each limb with every step. Combine this with muscles that are constantly tugging away at the bone and what do you have? A painful overuse condition often experienced in those of us who attempt too much too soon.
