As featured in the May 2014 issue of the MMA Main Event Magazine in the US.
Written by Megan Gaudry.
The views and information provided by Aspire Health & Rehabilitation, and Megan Gaudry, in the form of blogs, videos, photos and reviews are not in any way to be substituted as a Medical consultation, and are for education purposes only.
Bone anatomy. Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons. I have been suffering from shin splints (or shin pain), proper name is Tibial Stress Syndrome on and off since 17 years of age; it is a very common musculoskeletal condition of the lower limb and is experienced by many, particularly athletes such as runners. It is associated with pain and occasional inflammation to the lower leg, such as the medial (inside) and lateral (outside) aspects of the shin bone (tibia); and the pain can either increase with impact/or training, or can decrease during rest or after warming up. Shin splints if mistreated can result in stress fractures, compartment syndrome among others.
Unlike many others I know of who suffer shin splints, I had always suffered lateral shin splints rather than medial. It is thought that this may result from having excessive flat feet, also known as excessive pronation, where the arch of the foot is reduced. Due to having weak and dysfunctional feet (flat feet) , it results in excessive rotational force on the fibula (next to the major shin bone), and overuse leading to stress fractures and reactions.
Unlike many others I know of who suffer shin splints, I had always suffered lateral shin splints rather than medial. It is thought that this may result from having excessive flat feet, also known as excessive pronation, where the arch of the foot is reduced. Due to having weak and dysfunctional feet (flat feet) , it results in excessive rotational force on the fibula (next to the major shin bone), and overuse leading to stress fractures and reactions.
 Flat feet. Image by FA RenLis (Wikimedia Commons). However those that are more likely to suffer from shin splints, include; those with calf tightness, restricted ankle movement (particularly when pointing foot upwards called dorsiflexion), chronic ankle sprain sufferers, posterior tibial tendon weakness, overuse and over-training such as preseason and increased loads/intensities. |  Leg musculature. Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons. |
It is best to consult a physiotherapist to be assessed and have shin pain complications and fractures ruled out, as well as to assess as to why you suffer from them. Below I have given 9 treatment and preventative strategies that have been recommended by research, and/or are used/ recommended by Physiotherapists to assist with managing your shins splints;
