shin splints .co.uk

shin splints .co.uk - information webiste dedicated to shin splints

shin-splints .co.uk

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shin splints-what are they?

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shin splints- causes

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shin splints- running shoes

shin splints- orthotics

shin splints- biomechanics

 

shin splints causes

 


While there are many causes of shin splints, they can be categorised into three main groups. Overload (or training errors), biomechanical abnormality and poor footwear.

Shin splints- Overload

Shin splints are commonly associated with sports that require a lot of running or weight bearing activity. However, it is not necessarily the added weight or force applied to the muscles and tendons of the lower leg, but rather the impact force associated with running and weight bearing activities.

In other words, it's not the running itself, but the sudden shock force of repeated landings and change of direction that causes the problem. When the muscles and tendons become fatigued and overloaded, they lose their ability to adequately absorb the damaging shock force.

Other overload causes include:

Shin splints- Biomechanical abonormality

The major biomechanical inefficiency contributing to shin splints is that of flat (pronated) feet. Pronation occurs just after the heal strikes the ground. The foot flattens out, and then continues to roll inward.

Over-pronation occurs when the foot and ankle continue to roll excessively inward. This excessive inward rolling causes the tibia to twist, which in-turn, over stretches the muscles of the lower leg.

Other biomechanical causes include:

If you are at all worried that you may have a biomechanical problem visit a podiatrist to have an assessment. Visit www.spotspodiatry.co.uk for more information.

Poor footwear

Most athletes do not realise that footwear can have a major impact on causing lower limb injury. Most sports shoes have a finite lifespan and should be changed every 500-750 miles. For a more detailed breakdown click on our running shoe guide.

 

 

 

 

Want information on other lower limb injuries or need treatment? Check out our sister site www.sportspodiatry.co.uk with links to our clinics in the northwest of England.