Shin Splints - Can You Avoid Them?

"Shin splints" is a term used to describe any prolonged or recurring pain a sports person may encounter between the knee and the ankle. The pain is due to an "overuse" injury - much like the term itself has been overused.

These days with a much more in-depth knowledge of sports injuries, "shin splints" is more of an umbrella term used to describe lower limb injuries such as compartment and medial tibial syndrome and stress fractures and others.

Most sports people train through the pain because "it isn't that bad" but this only serves to worsen the condition and eventually it is impossible to walk without pain. This would probably indicate a stress fracture.

There are many factors that may pre-dispose you to these conditions, such as low calcium diet, menstrual abnormalities, muscle imbalances, genetic factors etc. All of which would become apparent during a consultation prior to treatment.

Friday, 30 March 2001