Serious runners are vulnerable to a wide range of sports injuries; most commonly overuse injuries as they continue to apply the same type of pressure to the same muscles and joints. For those runners who are steadfast in their workout routine, even the most minor injuries will cause a headache. Shin splints, one of the most common overuse injuries suffered by runners, is amongst the injuries that seem to never go away. While strains and sprains may be more severe, they heal quickly and can be linked to a particular event. Shin splints, on the other hand, develop gradually and may take several weeks or even months to heal.
Treating shin splints is troublesome for many runners, especially when many of them hold fast to the “no pain, no gain” mentality. While attempting to “push through the pain” of shin splints, runners are actually adding to the shin’s trauma and thus creating even more serious problems. Avoiding shin splints is something that most runners would prefer. As such, it is important understand the most common causes of shin splints in order to prevent this overuse injury from affecting your running routine.
The following are the most common causes of shin splints for runners:
- Improper running form
- Tightened calf muscles
- Overpronation
- Bad shoes
- Oversupination
- Sudden increase in intensity
Avid runners who have suffered shin splints in the past know that rest is the most common treatment. In addition, there are a number of soft-tissue mobilization techniques that will alleviate pain and reduce the affects of shin splints. Scar tissue typically forms around the muscles that cover the tibia and thus causes shin splints. Taking advantage of soft-tissue mobilization techniques such as Active Release Technique has proven to vastly alleviate the pains associated with shin splints. Are shin splints delaying your running routine? Contact Campbell Sports Rehab and Spine Center immediately to speak with our expert chiropractors.