Shin splints are caused by overuse or overload of the legs and can cause pain, tenderness, swelling, and redness. Symptoms are worse during physical activity and can be caused by poor running technique, ill-fitting shoes, or flat feet. Rest, ice and heat packs, and anti-inflammatory medication can help with recovery.
Shin splints are the common name for shin splints, a condition that occurs when the legs are overused or overloaded. The most common shin splint symptoms include pain and tenderness along the inner sides of the shins, swelling, small bumps along the shin bones, and redness. Tibial splint symptoms tend to be worst during physical activity and often resolve almost completely during rest. It is important to be able to recognize early symptoms so that appropriate measures can be taken to prevent serious injury and ensure a quick return to normal life activities.
A person may experience shin splints if they decide to dramatically increase their activity levels. People who start training for sporting events or competitions may develop shin pain because their legs are not used to such intense exercise. The muscles, tendons, cartilage and bone tissue in the legs become irritated and inflamed. Symptoms are more likely to occur in people who have poor running technique, ill-fitting shoes, or flat feet.
The most common shin splint symptoms are pain, swelling, and soreness during activity. The shins can feel like they burn or tingle as a person runs, and the front of the legs are often very tender to the touch. Throbbing sensations and pain radiating through the feet and knees can be felt immediately after finishing a run. The swelling is usually mild and isolated in the front of the shins. Symptoms tend to lessen or even disappear completely after sitting or lying in bed for a few hours.
Shin splint symptoms may also include redness and palpable lumps on the insides of the lower legs. Constant swelling and inflammation can transfer to the skin, causing irritation, discoloration, and sometimes itching and burning sensations. One or more bumps can often be felt on the inflamed shins which are usually more tender to the touch than the surrounding areas.
In most cases, the symptoms are easy enough to fix. Resting your legs for a few days is a very important element in recovery. Many people find that alternating between ice packs and heat packs several times a day helps with pain and swelling. An individual can also take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications to relieve lasting symptoms. As their legs start to feel better, a person might consider investing in more comfortable and supportive shoes and gradually return to regular levels of exercise.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
