0
Shin splints are microscopic tears in the shin muscle, the tibialis anterior. These are common among people who have little experience running. Some are more likely to experience shin splints than others.
Wiki User
∙ 9y ago
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoyes
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
What muscle is irritated when you have shin splints?
"Shin splints" is more of a symptom that could be caused by several conditions than a specific condition itself. Pain or discomfort in the front lower leg when running or jumping are a good indication of this type of condition. Putting pressure on the muscles next to the tibia (shin bone) will produce discomfort or pain. Take two fingers and apply firm pressure as you slide your fingers along the tibia where the bone and muscle meet on the medial (inside) and lateral (outsided) sides of the tibia (shin bone). If you feel pain in any of these areas it is likely that either the muscle is pulling away from the bone in microscopic tears or that you have small stress fractures along the tibia. If the pain is on the lateral anterior muscle (front outside) it is likely that the tibialis anterior is the muscle affected. If the pain is on the medial side (inside) of the tibia, then it is likely the soleus muscle that is affected. Although wearing neoprene sleeves on the lower legs and certain taping methods can relieve some of the discomfort in the lower leg commonly referred to as "shin splints," the only real treatment for shin splints is rest and ice. Ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatories can help reduce inflammation and speed up recovery. A good supplemental intake of calcium, Vitamin C, glucosamine, chondroiton, and MSM will ensure that your body has the materials it needs to repair itself. Shin splints are usually used to describe the pain and discomfort associated with the tibialis anterior muscle being torn off of the tibia because of a strength imbalance between this muscle and the soleus and gastrocnemius. To recover, the athlete should rest and apply ice to the affected area of the shin in 20-30 minute segments as often as possible. The athlete may return to exercise after the area is no longer sensitive to pressure along the tibia, the athlete can perform lower leg stretches without discomfort, and a light jog is shown to produce no pain or discomfort. The recovery period will usually take 2-3 weeks, but this can vary greatly among athletes. To prevent shin splints from reoccurring, or to prevent them from ever occurring in the first place, one should engage in an exercise program that targets strengthening the tibialis anterior directly. This short video shows a simple exercise that is very effective in preventing shin splints. http://danpine.com/77/prevent-shin-splints-with-this-strange-exercise/
How do i get rid of my shin splints?
Shin splints are micro-tears between the tissues of the bone and muscle in the legs, and I am unaware of any specific medications to take for this condition. Many exercise physiologists recommend a specific type of exercise to prevent their recurrence, though. Because the gastrocnemius muscles of the calves are used far more often to extend the body up, the lesser used muscle in the front of the tibia/fibula (tibialis anterior) is usually unbalanced in its poorer development. Some gyms have a special machine that has a bar resting over the top of the foot, and small 5-15 lb weights are added while the foot is rotated upwards . Similar effects can be gotten at home by placing similar weighted objects hung in a bag over the arch. 2-3 sets of 15-30 repetitions of this small movement seems to help prevent these types of injuries .
How do you know when you have shin splints?
"Shin splints" is more of a symptom that could be caused by several conditions than a specific condition itself. Pain or discomfort in the front lower leg when running or jumping are a good indication of this type of condition. Putting pressure on the muscles next to the tibia (shin bone) will produce discomfort or pain. Take two fingers and apply firm pressure as you slide your fingers along the tibia where the bone and muscle meet on the medial (inside) and lateral (outsided) sides of the tibia (shin bone). If you feel pain in any of these areas it is likely that either the muscle is pulling away from the bone in microscopic tears or that you have small stress fractures along the tibia. Although wearing neoprene sleeves on the lower legs and certain taping methods can relieve some of the discomfort in the lower leg commonly referred to as "shin splints," the only real treatment for shin splints is rest and ice. Ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatories can help reduce inflammation and speed up recovery. A good supplemental intake of calcium, Vitamin C, glucosamine, chondroiton, and MSM will ensure that your body has the materials it needs to repair itself. Shin splints are usually used to describe the pain and discomfort associated with the tibialis anterior muscle being torn off of the tibia because of a strength imbalance between this muscle and the soleus and gastrocnemius. To recover, the athlete should rest and apply ice to the affected area of the shin in 20-30 minute segments as often as possible. The athlete may return to exercise after the area is no longer sensitive to pressure along the tibia, the athlete can perform lower leg stretches without discomfort, and a light jog is shown to produce no pain or discomfort. The recovery period will usually take 2-3 weeks, but this can vary greatly among athletes. To prevent shin splints from reoccurring, or to prevent them from ever occurring in the first place, one should engage in an exercise program that targets strengthening the tibialis anterior directly. This short video shows a simple exercise that is very effective in preventing shin splints. http://danpine.com/77/prevent-shin-splints-with-this-strange-exercise/
Shin splints are common injuries or pains occurring?
"Shin splints" is more of a symptom that could be caused by several conditions than a specific condition itself. Pain or discomfort in the front lower leg when running or jumping are a good indication of this type of condition. Putting pressure on the muscles next to the tibia (shin bone) will produce discomfort or pain. Take two fingers and apply firm pressure as you slide your fingers along the tibia where the bone and muscle meet on the medial (inside) and lateral (outsided) sides of the tibia (shin bone). If you feel pain in any of these areas it is likely that either the muscle is pulling away from the bone in microscopic tears or that you have small stress fractures along the tibia. If left untreated, shin splints will progressively lead to worse conditions and will take much longer to heal. There may be no "permanent" effects from shin splints, but shin splints might progress into a fracture of the tibia which will require a cast and immobility for prolonged periods of time. Although wearing neoprene sleeves on the lower legs and certain taping methods can relieve some of the discomfort in the lower leg commonly referred to as "shin splints," the only real treatment for shin splints is rest and ice. Ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatories can help reduce inflammation and speed up recovery. A good supplemental intake of calcium, Vitamin C, glucosamine, chondroiton, and MSM will ensure that your body has the materials it needs to repair itself. Shin splints are usually used to describe the pain and discomfort associated with the tibialis anterior muscle being torn off of the tibia because of a strength imbalance between this muscle and the soleus and gastrocnemius. To recover, the athlete should rest and apply ice to the affected area of the shin in 20-30 minute segments as often as possible. The athlete may return to exercise after the area is no longer sensitive to pressure along the tibia, the athlete can perform lower leg stretches without discomfort, and a light jog is shown to produce no pain or discomfort. The recovery period will usually take 2-3 weeks, but this can vary greatly among athletes. To prevent shin splints from reoccurring, or to prevent them from ever occurring in the first place, one should engage in an exercise program that targets strengthening the tibialis anterior directly. This short video shows a simple exercise that is very effective in preventing shin splints. http://danpine.com/77/prevent-shin-splints-with-this-strange-exercise/
What are the permanite effects of shin splints?
"Shin splints" is more of a symptom that could be caused by several conditions than a specific condition itself. Pain or discomfort in the front lower leg when running or jumping are a good indication of this type of condition. Putting pressure on the muscles next to the tibia (shin bone) will produce discomfort or pain. Take two fingers and apply firm pressure as you slide your fingers along the tibia where the bone and muscle meet on the medial (inside) and lateral (outsided) sides of the tibia (shin bone). If you feel pain in any of these areas it is likely that either the muscle is pulling away from the bone in microscopic tears or that you have small stress fractures along the tibia. If left untreated, shin splints will progressively lead to worse conditions and will take much longer to heal. There may be no "permanent" effects from shin splints, but shin splints might progress into a fracture of the tibia which will require a cast and immobility for prolonged periods of time. Although wearing neoprene sleeves on the lower legs and certain taping methods can relieve some of the discomfort in the lower leg commonly referred to as "shin splints," the only real treatment for shin splints is rest and ice. Ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatories can help reduce inflammation and speed up recovery. A good supplemental intake of calcium, Vitamin C, glucosamine, chondroiton, and MSM will ensure that your body has the materials it needs to repair itself. Shin splints are usually used to describe the pain and discomfort associated with the tibialis anterior muscle being torn off of the tibia because of a strength imbalance between this muscle and the soleus and gastrocnemius. To recover, the athlete should rest and apply ice to the affected area of the shin in 20-30 minute segments as often as possible. The athlete may return to exercise after the area is no longer sensitive to pressure along the tibia, the athlete can perform lower leg stretches without discomfort, and a light jog is shown to produce no pain or discomfort. The recovery period will usually take 2-3 weeks, but this can vary greatly among athletes. To prevent shin splints from reoccurring, or to prevent them from ever occurring in the first place, one should engage in an exercise program that targets strengthening the tibialis anterior directly. This short video shows a simple exercise that is very effective in preventing shin splints. http://danpine.com/77/prevent-shin-splints-with-this-strange-exercise/
Are shin splints a long term or short term affect of exercise?
"Shin splints" is more of a symptom that could be caused by several conditions than a specific condition itself. Pain or discomfort in the front lower leg when running or jumping are a good indication of this type of condition. Putting pressure on the muscles next to the tibia (shin bone) will produce discomfort or pain. Take two fingers and apply firm pressure as you slide your fingers along the tibia where the bone and muscle meet on the medial (inside) and lateral (outsided) sides of the tibia (shin bone). If you feel pain in any of these areas it is likely that either the muscle is pulling away from the bone in microscopic tears or that you have small stress fractures along the tibia. If left untreated, shin splints will progressively lead to worse conditions and will take much longer to heal. There may be no "permanent" effects from shin splints, but shin splints might progress into a fracture of the tibia which will require a cast and immobility for prolonged periods of time. Although wearing neoprene sleeves on the lower legs and certain taping methods can relieve some of the discomfort in the lower leg commonly referred to as "shin splints," the only real treatment for shin splints is rest and ice. Ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatories can help reduce inflammation and speed up recovery. A good supplemental intake of calcium, Vitamin C, glucosamine, chondroiton, and MSM will ensure that your body has the materials it needs to repair itself. Shin splints are usually used to describe the pain and discomfort associated with the tibialis anterior muscle being torn off of the tibia because of a strength imbalance between this muscle and the soleus and gastrocnemius. To recover, the athlete should rest and apply ice to the affected area of the shin in 20-30 minute segments as often as possible. The athlete may return to exercise after the area is no longer sensitive to pressure along the tibia, the athlete can perform lower leg stretches without discomfort, and a light jog is shown to produce no pain or discomfort. The recovery period will usually take 2-3 weeks, but this can vary greatly among athletes. To prevent shin splints from reoccurring, or to prevent them from ever occurring in the first place, one should engage in an exercise program that targets strengthening the tibialis anterior directly. This short video shows a simple exercise that is very effective in preventing shin splints. http://danpine.com/77/prevent-shin-splints-with-this-strange-exercise/
How does shin splints happen?
"Shin splints" is more of a symptom that could be caused by several conditions than a specific condition itself. Pain or discomfort in the front lower leg when running or jumping are a good indication of this type of condition. Putting pressure on the muscles next to the tibia (shin bone) will produce discomfort or pain. Take two fingers and apply firm pressure as you slide your fingers along the tibia where the bone and muscle meet on the medial (inside) and lateral (outsided) sides of the tibia (shin bone). If you feel pain in any of these areas it is likely that either the muscle is pulling away from the bone in microscopic tears or that you have small stress fractures along the tibia. Although wearing neoprene sleeves on the lower legs and certain taping methods can relieve some of the discomfort in the lower leg commonly referred to as "shin splints," the only real treatment for shin splints is rest and ice. Ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatories can help reduce inflammation and speed up recovery. A good supplemental intake of calcium, Vitamin C, glucosamine, chondroiton, and MSM will ensure that your body has the materials it needs to repair itself. Shin splints are usually used to describe the pain and discomfort associated with the tibialis anterior muscle being torn off of the tibia because of a strength imbalance between this muscle and the soleus and gastrocnemius. To recover, the athlete should rest and apply ice to the affected area of the shin in 20-30 minute segments as often as possible. The athlete may return to exercise after the area is no longer sensitive to pressure along the tibia, the athlete can perform lower leg stretches without discomfort, and a light jog is shown to produce no pain or discomfort. The recovery period will usually take 2-3 weeks, but this can vary greatly among athletes. To prevent shin splints from reoccurring, or to prevent them from ever occurring in the first place, one should engage in an exercise program that targets strengthening the tibialis anterior directly. This short video shows a simple exercise that is very effective in preventing shin splints. http://danpine.com/77/prevent-shin-splints-with-this-strange-exercise/
Are Shin splints a connective tissue injury?
No matter what the underlying cause of your shin splint symptoms may be, the answer to this question is "Yes." However, "connective tissue" is a very broad term which includes skin, muscle, bone, cartilage, tendon, ligament, and even blood. Shin splints are usually a combined injury of muscle, bone, and to a lesser degree tendon. "Shin splints" is more of a symptom that could be caused by several conditions than a specific condition itself. Pain or discomfort in the front lower leg when running or jumping are a good indication of this type of condition. Putting pressure on the muscles next to the tibia (shin bone) will produce discomfort or pain. Take two fingers and apply firm pressure as you slide your fingers along the tibia where the bone and muscle meet on the medial (inside) and lateral (outsided) sides of the tibia (shin bone). If you feel pain in any of these areas it is likely that either the muscle is pulling away from the bone in microscopic tears or that you have small stress fractures along the tibia. If left untreated, shin splints will progressively lead to worse conditions and will take much longer to heal. There may be no "permanent" effects from shin splints, but shin splints might progress into a fracture of the tibia which will require a cast and immobility for prolonged periods of time. Although wearing neoprene sleeves on the lower legs and certain taping methods can relieve some of the discomfort in the lower leg commonly referred to as "shin splints," the only real treatment for shin splints is rest and ice. Ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatories can help reduce inflammation and speed up recovery. A good supplemental intake of calcium, Vitamin C, glucosamine, chondroiton, and MSM will ensure that your body has the materials it needs to repair itself. Shin splints are usually used to describe the pain and discomfort associated with the tibialis anterior muscle being torn off of the tibia because of a strength imbalance between this muscle and the soleus and gastrocnemius. To recover, the athlete should rest and apply ice to the affected area of the shin in 20-30 minute segments as often as possible. The athlete may return to exercise after the area is no longer sensitive to pressure along the tibia, the athlete can perform lower leg stretches without discomfort, and a light jog is shown to produce no pain or discomfort. The recovery period will usually take 2-3 weeks, but this can vary greatly among athletes. To prevent shin splints from reoccurring, or to prevent them from ever occurring in the first place, one should engage in an exercise program that targets strengthening the tibialis anterior directly. This short video shows a simple exercise that is very effective in preventing shin splints. http://danpine.com/77/prevent-shin-splints-with-this-strange-exercise/
What is the healing process of shin splints?
"Shin splints" is more of a symptom that could be caused by several conditions than a specific condition itself. Pain or discomfort in the front lower leg when running or jumping are a good indication of this type of condition. Putting pressure on the muscles next to the tibia (shin bone) will produce discomfort or pain. Take two fingers and apply firm pressure as you slide your fingers along the tibia where the bone and muscle meet on the medial (inside) and lateral (outsided) sides of the tibia (shin bone). If you feel pain in any of these areas it is likely that either the muscle is pulling away from the bone in microscopic tears or that you have small stress fractures along the tibia. Although wearing neoprene sleeves on the lower legs and certain taping methods can relieve some of the discomfort in the lower leg commonly referred to as "shin splints," the only real treatment for shin splints is rest and ice. Ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatories can help reduce inflammation and speed up recovery. A good supplemental intake of calcium, Vitamin C, glucosamine, chondroiton, and MSM will ensure that your body has the materials it needs to repair itself. Shin splints are usually used to describe the pain and discomfort associated with the tibialis anterior muscle being torn off of the tibia because of a strength imbalance between this muscle and the soleus and gastrocnemius. To recover, the athlete should rest and apply ice to the affected area of the shin in 20-30 minute segments as often as possible. The athlete may return to exercise after the area is no longer sensitive to pressure along the tibia, the athlete can perform lower leg stretches without discomfort, and a light jog is shown to produce no pain or discomfort. The recovery period will usually take 2-3 weeks, but this can vary greatly among athletes. To prevent shin splints from reoccurring, or to prevent them from ever occurring in the first place, one should engage in an exercise program that targets strengthening the tibialis anterior directly. This short video shows a simple exercise that is very effective in preventing shin splints. http://danpine.com/77/prevent-shin-splints-with-this-strange-exercise/
How do you heal a shin splint?
by resting the affected area for a period of time. then slowly doing more and more. the above is true but if you cant rest then ice for 15 min after practice or take a paper cup, fill it with water, then freeze it. when its done rip off the top part of the cup so its like half paper half ice then give yourself an ice massage..it feels great. also try to run on soft surfaces an never run with your shoes off. also you might have bad shoes and may need to replace them...hope this helps, keep running! :) I've had shin splints for like ever because of cross country so I went to see a specialist. What I've usually heard is icing three times a day for about 20 minutes, massaging it once a day so that it loosens everything up, and there are tons of stretches that help especially with shin splints that you can look up online. I still have em but I can feel these things helping me not hurt as much! =] ive also had shin splints, but only for a couple days. I got them from running th mile at school and im not really a runner. if your not either, pace yourself while running and never start out too fast. i think that's how i got it. Ice and rest are the only way to allow shin splints to heal. This is because shin splints are usually caused by a strength imbalance between the posterior(back of the leg) soleus and gastrocnemius muscles and the tibialis anterior muscle (located on the front lateral part of the lower leg). This imbalance tears the tibialis anterior muscle off of the tibia in little sections along the length of the bone. After you have given your body enough time to repair the muscle and bone you can return to exercise. To prevent shin splints from returning you should engage in some type of exercise that targets strengthening the tibialis anterior. This 2 minute video should give you some good ideas > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBkoV-fSBR8
What happens if you don't treat your shin splints?
Shin splints; I'm assuming your referring to the painful yet common phenomena occurring during or immediately after intense exercise affecting the muscles in the front of your lower legs. typically most athletes "walk it off" doing this simply allows the muscles to relax a bit while keeping them mobile. If adequate stretching does not occur then the muscle does not relax and a pulled muscle can become more likely. It can also lead to cramping in that region of your anatomy. cramping is typically a culmination of excess exercise, improper cool down, improper stretching (pre and post exercise ) and lack of proper hydration. I suppose the short answer is more pain than if you do treat them.
In regards to shin splints should you elevate your legs at night?
Elevating your legs would likely have little to no effect on relieving shin splint symptoms, as this would primarily serve to reduce blood flow in an effort to reduce swelling and inflammation. Ibuprofen and ice will accomplish this much more effectively. "Shin splints" is more of a symptom that could be caused by several conditions than a specific condition itself. Pain or discomfort in the front lower leg when running or jumping are a good indication of this type of condition. Putting pressure on the muscles next to the tibia (shin bone) will produce discomfort or pain. Take two fingers and apply firm pressure as you slide your fingers along the tibia where the bone and muscle meet on the medial (inside) and lateral (outsided) sides of the tibia (shin bone). If you feel pain in any of these areas it is likely that either the muscle is pulling away from the bone in microscopic tears or that you have small stress fractures along the tibia. Although wearing neoprene sleeves on the lower legs and certain taping methods can relieve some of the discomfort in the lower leg commonly referred to as "shin splints," the only real treatment for shin splints is rest and ice. Ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatories can help reduce inflammation and speed up recovery. A good supplemental intake of calcium, Vitamin C, glucosamine, chondroiton, and MSM will ensure that your body has the materials it needs to repair itself. Shin splints are usually used to describe the pain and discomfort associated with the tibialis anterior muscle being torn off of the tibia because of a strength imbalance between this muscle and the soleus and gastrocnemius. To recover, the athlete should rest and apply ice to the affected area of the shin in 20-30 minute segments as often as possible. The athlete may return to exercise after the area is no longer sensitive to pressure along the tibia, the athlete can perform lower leg stretches without discomfort, and a light jog is shown to produce no pain or discomfort. The recovery period will usually take 2-3 weeks, but this can vary greatly among athletes. To prevent shin splints from reoccurring, or to prevent them from ever occurring in the first place, one should engage in an exercise program that targets strengthening the tibialis anterior directly. This short video shows a simple exercise that is very effective in preventing shin splints. http://danpine.com/77/prevent-shin-splints-with-this-strange-exercise/
