Bone shin splints

 

Bone shin splints affects the major bone in the lower leg, the tibia (shin bone). Microscopic fractures (micro fractures) occur within the bone itself. The resulting inflammatory process (the body's way of repairing itself) causes pain and localised swelling along the bone itself. The muscular regions of the lower leg are not usually affected.

Again this form of injury is caused by poor biomechanics during the contact phase of gait (when the foot strikes the ground). Unlike its muscular cousin this type of injury is caused by poor shock absorption usually (but not always) in an athlete with a rigid foot type.

 

Bony shin splints respond best to increased shock absorbency. Purchase a shock absorbing insole to dramatically reduce ground reaction force at heel strike.

 

 

Having great neutral shock absorbing trainers such as asics gel or Saucony Pro Grid is probably the single best thing you can do to help with bone shin splints. The shock absorbing properties of the shoe will reduce ground reaction force dampening the high impact that causes the problem.

 

 

 

Think you require treatment for your shin splints symptoms?

Visit our sports podiatry clinic pages for a clinic near you.