How to Prevent Shin Splints
By Sara Butler
When you start a new exercise routine, you're probably feeling inspired to jump right in. That's great, but it's also important to take it slow to avoid injuries. One of the injuries that can sideline people is shin splints. Here's what you need to know about shin splints and how to avoid them so you can keep on top of your exercise routine and smash your fitness goals.
What Are Shin Splints
Many people who exercise have felt that telltale pain or a dull ache along their shin bone. While shin pain can be caused by many different conditions, shin splints is a sort of blanket term for a variety of things that can occur in this area, from tendonitis to stress fractures.
Shin splints occur most frequently in sports that involve jumping or running. If you jog, dance, or are an avid walker, then shin splints can occur.
The Cause of Shin Splints
There are many reasons why you may be experiencing pain in your shins that are shin splints. The most common causes include:
- Doing too much - If you've just started a new workout routine and go for the gusto, then you're at risk for injuries including shin splints. You should slowly ramp up your workouts over the course of weeks to avoid an injury such as this.
- Overuse - Injuries such as shin splints due to overuse occur when stress and strain are placed on the muscles in the lower leg as you increase the duration or intensity of your workout. If you raise either duration or intensity by more than 10 percent at any one time, then you're putting yourself at risk for shin splints.
- Choosing the wrong shoe - You need the right shoe for the right sport. If you cross-train, then a quality pair of cross trainers is important. If you run, then a quality pair of running shoes is what you need. Even with the right pair of shoes, you shouldn't let the shoes get too old or broken down or they won't absorb shock as they need to.
- Choosing the wrong workout surfaces - If you tend to do your workouts on hard surfaces such as concrete, then this can make shin splints occur
If you suspect you may have shin splints, then talk to the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic today.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in South Jordan, Utah.