Shin Splints

Have you got a place for the Virgin London Marathon? Want to challenge Kenya’s Patrick Makau magnificent 2hrs 3min 38sec set at this year’s Berlin marathon, perhaps? Plagued by shin splints, and don’t know how to get rid of them? Well, look no further, Vitality Physiotherapy has the solution for you!

Shin Splints, is a global term often used to describe pain in the leg below the knee. It can occur on the front outer aspect of the leg (anterior shin splints), or on the inside of the leg (medial shin splints). They can affect novice athletes who do too much too soon, or experienced athletes who modify their exercise programme by increasing their mileage or gradient excessively.

Some common causes:

• Inappropriate footwear
• Overpronation leading to tibial twisting and stress
• Tight calf muscles
• Weakness in leg muscles
• Pelvic control/ motor control problems
• Inefficient running biomechanics

Your physiotherapist is equipped with the skills to make an accurate diagnosis, advise you on modifications that may be required to your training plan, treat your shin splints, and help prevent further or recurrent injury.