Love to run but hate shin splits?
Don't worry you're not alone!
Shin splints are caused by several different reasons but the common denominator is that they get in the way of what you love!
Our team's number 1 priority is to get you back at your best as quickly as possible!
That's why this blog contains 3 proven methods for relieving your shin splints with little to no effort.
Shin Splints: The Cause & Effect
Shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), is a painful condition caused by overuse of the lower leg muscles.
Generally, it occurs after exercising too hard or for too long, without giving your body enough time to recover.
It can also be caused by running on hard surfaces such as pavement or concrete, wearing ill-fitting shoes, having flat feet or high arches, and poor posture during exercise.
Symptoms include pain in either one or both legs along the front and sides of the shinbone with tenderness to touch.
Additional signs include swelling in the lower legs, difficulty pressing on the affected area, or general discomfort when walking or running.
Method 1 - Reduce Your Mileage and Intensity Temporarily
We know a lot of you have heard this one before, but hang on, don't switch off just yet!
Resting for a limited time, only to go straight back to running, will as I'm sure you've experienced only temporarily fix the issue.
However, to cut the strain on your shins and promote a faster recovery, it's important to take a step back from running for at least 48 hours.
This brief pause allows your shins to recuperate and regain strength.
We know you hate sitting at home, staring at the ceiling, but how about swapping out the activity for something less physically demanding as you heal.
Swimming, cycling, or yoga are great ways to maintain your fitness level while giving your shins the rest they need.
Remember, taking a short break now will benefit you long-term!
Method 2 - Wear Supportive Shoes
It may seem obvious, but it is amazing how many runners don't invest in appropriate footwear.
You wouldn't take a road trip in a pick-up with the exhaust hanging off! So why run in the wrong shoes?
Wearing well-fitting shoes that provide adequate arch support and cushioning will help protect your feet while running.
High-quality athletic shoes provide essential features such as shock absorption, stability, and motion control. This reduces the strain on your muscles, and ligaments, ultimately preventing foot and knee pain.
When selecting the right shoes, consider factors such as your foot shape, arch type, and any existing foot conditions.
If you aren’t sure what type of footwear is right for you, our team can help give you guidance and also help you identify other ways to fix your shin splints and get back to pain free running.
To find out more, arrange a free consultation now.
Investing in supportive, running-specific footwear and replacing them when needed can significantly improve foot health and prevent pain.
Method 3 - Strengthen Your Core
You may be thinking "My core? How will that help my shins?".
Let me explain...
A strong core is essential for runners, as it helps support your entire body and reduces the strain on your lower legs.
A robust core maintains correct alignment and balance throughout your body. Enabling you to transfer the force from your upper body to your lower body during a run.
To effectively strengthen your core, consider including a variety of exercises that target different muscle groups, including the abdominals, obliques, and lower back.
Some examples of core exercises include; Planks, Sit-ups & Leg lifts.
Incorporate these core-strengthening exercises into your workout 3-4 times per week, gradually increasing the intensity and duration as your strength improves.
Persistent Shin Splints
Have you tried these methods but you're still in agonising pain with shin splints?
You MUST contact a physical therapist right away!
By contacting a physical therapist, you can get the treatment and relief you need to feel comfortable while running.
At Next Level Physical Therapy we have four clinics in the area (Cary, Montclair, Morrisville, and Woodcliff Lake), for a limited time we are offering a Free Lower Body Consultation.
This one-on-one consultation with a skilled physical therapist will offer you personalized advice on how to run more, run further, and run faster.
Arrange Your Free Lower Body Consultation.
Act fast, as we only have a limited number of appointments available.
Contact us at 201-746-9966 to arrange your Free Lower Body Consultation today.
Want More Free Professional Advice To Live An Active Life Pain-Free?
Read our blog - 3 Reasons Why You're Still Having Knee Pain and Can't Run, Bike, Or Squat!
Read our blog - What's Overstriding, and Why Can This Be A Problem For Runners?
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