Causes of Shin Splints

The most common cause of shin splint pain is inflammation. Bones have a protective outer layer known as the periosteum and the thin layer surrounding the tibia becomes inflamed as a result of repetitive impact or other stresses placed upon it. The correct terminology for this condition is periostitis with medial tibial stress disorder describing one of the most common locations and forms; shin splints. In more extreme cases, the pain may actually be stemming from tiny stress fractures in the bone itself.

Common shin splint triggers

• High impact activities such as dancing, aerobics, or running on hard surfaces
• Suddenly increasing the workload on the shins e.g. dramatically increasing running mileage or pace
• Wearing inadequate footwear for the activity - high impact activities require appropriate cushioning and shock absorption
• Continuing to exercise in worn out footwear
• Overpronation; this term describes an exaggerated inward roll of the foot. The repeated rotational stresses placed on the muscles, tendons and ligaments attached to the shin can cause problems such as shin splints
• Oversupination; this term describes an exaggerated outward roll of the foot and is less common than overpronation. The outward rolling of the foot makes it less efficient at absorbing shock which can lead to shin splints in high impact activities
• Lack of, or decreased, flexibility in the ankle joint, limiting the shock absorption abilities of the ankle and foot and creating a flat-footed gait which will increase the impact being placed on the shin
• A kick or direct blow to the front of the lower leg