Shin splints are a common overuse injury that many athletes will encounter at some point in their careers. This condition refers to pain in the lower leg and can vary in severity. Mild cases involve inflammation of the connective tissue (fascia), the connective tissue linking muscle to bone, while more severe cases may result in the fascia separating from the bone (tibia).
Another name for shin splints is Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS). If left untreated, shin splints can lead to stress fractures of the tibia. This requires a long recovery period, with complete rest from running.
MYO2 RECOVERY GEL
Consider applying MYO2 Recovery Gel before stretching or training, so as to assist your muscles during exercise, and after training as part of your post-exercise routine, allowing for a more effective recovery.
MYO2 will not only help increase blood flow (oxygen) to the muscles, but also encourages the spread of nutrients and the transportation of waste from the tissue.
Causes of Shin Splints
In most cases, shin splints describes the pain experienced in the bony part of the shin (along the tibia) during and after exercise.
• Often activities such as running and jumping – particularly on hard surfaces – forces too much impact on the lower legs.
• Over-pronation (flat feet) – your foot’s arch collapses when taking a step.
• Wearing old, worn-out shoes.
• Inadequate stretching before training.
• Weakened ‘core’ and hip muscles.
• Changing or increasing your workout regime too quickly.
Treatment and Prevention of Shin Splints
Unfortunately it can take weeks, in some cases months, for shin splints to heal. The good news is that if you find the cause of your problem, it is often easily rectified and with a few changes, you may be able to keep shin splints at bay.
• Always seek advice from a medical professional so that you can rule out a stress fracture and get an accurate diagnosis of the problem.
• After resting and icing your shins, massage the area with MYO2 Recovery Gel for a few minutes. MYO2 contains powerful natural ingredients Arnica montana and Horse chestnut and will help increase blood flow (oxygen) to the area, encouraging the spread of nutrients and the transportation of waste from the tissue. This will make a huge impact in the speed at which your injury recovers.
• Stretch out your calves regularly and strengthen your core, hips, calves and ankles.
• Try an alternative exercise such as swimming or cycling while your shin heals.
• Consider changing your running shoes and investigate arch supports or orthotics if you are prone to over-pronation or have a problem with your feet.
• Never increase your weekly running mileage by more than 10%.
• Avoid hills and hard surfaces while you recover from shin splints.
• You may have to test your bone density as conditions such as osteopenia may be the cause of your problem and not your training or foot mechanics.
