Shin splints cause pain in the shin, the front part of the lower leg. They can also cause swelling. The pain is most likely from repeated stress on the shinbone (tibia) and the tissue that connects the muscle to the tibia.
Shin splints are common in people who run or jog. Activities where you run or jump on hard surfaces, such as basketball or tennis, can also lead to shin splints. They can also be caused by training too hard or running in shoes that are worn out.
Shin splints (also called traction periosteitis) is a condition that causes pain and sometimes swelling in the front part of the lower leg (shin). This condition is caused by inflammation of the fibrous covering of the bone (periosteum) and the attached muscle fibers.
Most often, shin splints are the result of repeated pounding (impact loading) on hard surfaces during athletic activities such as running, basketball, or tennis.
Rest from high-impact activities is usually the recommended treatment, along with using ice packs, warm soaks, protective wraps, and anti-inflammatory medicines. Sometimes physical therapy can be helpful.
You may feel pain on the front lower part of your leg. There may also be some swelling. When you first notice the pain, it may be at the start of your activity and feel like a dull ache or soreness. In severe cases, the pain can continue after you finish being active.
Rest from high-impact activities is often the recommended treatment. You may also use ice packs, warm soaks, protective wraps, and anti-inflammatory medicines. Sometimes physical therapy can be helpful.
There are things you can do to help prevent shin splints.
Your doctor will be able to tell if you have shin splints by talking to you about your symptoms and examining you. The doctor may do an X-ray to rule out other conditions, such as a stress fracture.
Rest is one of the best ways to care for yourself when you have shin splints. Prop up your leg and add ice to help reduce pain and swelling. Stretching your calf muscle may help. When you are active, choose lower-impact activities that don't cause pain.
Most people get shin splints from repeated pounding on hard surfaces during activities such as running, basketball, or tennis. You can also get them when you:
Some people have flat arches in their feet, which can make the feet roll inward when running. This may also lead to shin splints.
Shin splints are a condition that causes pain and sometimes swelling in the front part of the lower leg (shin). The pain is most likely from repeated stress on the shinbone (tibia) and the tissue that connects the muscle to the tibia.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
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