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Shin Splints: Causes And Treatments

SHIN SPLINTS

What are shin splints?
Shin splints refer to leg pain between the knee and ankle that is caused by damage or inflammation of those tendons and muscles. It's important to visit your doctor to rule out fractures if the stress is severe.

What causes shin splints?
Shin splints are generally caused by over-using the involved muscles and tendons through increased exercise or running. Over-pronation, or flattening of the arches, can also be a contributor, since arches that aren't doing their job cause other leg muscles to work harder.

How do I treat shin splints?
There are many ways to treat shin splints; it's best to consult with your doctor before beginning any treatment. Rest, ice and anti-inflammatory medications are a good temporary fix, though they won't treat the root of the problem. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged muscles and tendons.

In order to treat the cause of the pain, you'll need exercise and Arch Supports. Stretching and strengthening exercises can help take pressure off the shins, and prevent shin splints from reoccurring as your muscles get stronger. Orthotic Arch Supports are designed to completely support your arch. Wearing quality arch supports, such as the Spenco Orthotic Arch Supports, the Superfeet Premium Insoles, the Sof Sole Graphite or Custom Performance Insoles or the Sole Custom Foot Bed Insoles will allow the affected muscles and tendons to heal and prevent shin splints in the future.

Long-term treatment
The long-term remedy for muscle-related pain in the shin is a change in the running style to eliminate the over-striding and heavy heel strike.

Sprinting is performed on the toes, as is some middle-distance running. In most middle to long-distance running, striking with the heel, rolling through the foot and pushing off the ball is the most efficient. Competitive runners vary in styles, but as distance increases, more runners tend towards striking with the heel or mid-foot as the natural gait of the body - most marathoners can be seen to strike with the heel. In preventing shin-splints, heel-striking offers the best shock absorption and natural form, reducing impact stress on the calf and shin muscles.  The use of a good cushioning insole can help absorb shock and offer energy return to heel striking. The Spenco Polysorb Cross Trainer Insoles and Polysorb Walker Runner Insoles provide a 44% energy return in the heel strike area.

The shin muscles can also be somewhat alleviated by footwear and choice of surface. Runners who strike heavily with the heel should look for shoes or insoles which provide ample rear foot cushioning. The so-called "neutral" shoes for bio-mechanically efficient runners may not have adequate support in the heel, because the runners for whom these shoes are intended do not require it. Excessive pronation is another cause and  can be reduced by the use of Orthotic Arch Supports. Also shoes with cushion shock features and cushioned Shoe Insoles, such as the Spenco Cross Trainer Insoles or Walker Runner Insoles, can help prevent future problems.

Sole brand Custom Foot Beds and Spenco brand Insoles and Orthotic Arch Supports were awarded the Prestigious Seal of Acceptance by the American Podiatric Medical Association.  Visit TheInsoleStore.com to see detailed information regarding the Spenco line of Insoles and Arch Supports, including the Cross Trainer Insoles, Walker Runner Insoles and Orthotic Arch Supports. TheInsoleStore also features other top brand names such as Superfeet, Sof Sole, Sole, Arch Angels and more.

About the Author

The Insole Store features top brand Insoles, Orthotic Arch Supports, Arch Cushions, Gel Insoles, Gel Cushions, Heel Cushions, Insoles designed especially for Women, Insoles designed specifically for Kids, specialty Insoles such as the award winning Spenco Diabetic Foot Beds and more.

Tags:   calf · calf shin pain · calf shin pain running · calf shin splint support · calf shin stretches · calf shin support · fitness · injury · running · shinNo Comments