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Have you ever heard about the shin splints? If you’ve made it this far, chances are you’ve been diagnosed or researched some symptoms. In any case, know that this is a problem that has a solution!
Shin splints are inflammation (hence the suffix “itis”) in the shin region, known to cause a lot of pain and impair the quality of life of affected patients. Despite this, she is not very well known.
Therefore, we have prepared exclusive content to bring more information about the problem. Throughout our conversation, you will find out more about the symptoms, causes and, of course, the treatment of this problem. Let’s go? Good reading!
What is canelite?
Another name given to shin splints is “tibial medial stress syndrome”, and it is nothing more than an inflammation in the vicinity of the tibia, the bone that forms our shin.
This bone is covered by nerve endings, muscles and other structures that may become sensitized by the inflammatory process.
Sometimes, inflammation can even reach the bone itself, making it an even more delicate and dangerous problem.
What are your symptoms?
The main symptom of shin splints is pain. She is usually acute and intense, presenting worse when the person steps on the ground – although it can also be felt at rest. The location of the pain is in the front of the leg, below the knee, in a vertical direction.
In addition, it is common for people affected by shin splints to feel some swelling in the affected leg, in addition to sensitivity to touch. Like all inflammation, it is possible that redness will also be observed in the region, in addition to an increase in temperature.
What are the causes of shin splints?
Like everything else in life, shin splints have their causes and consequences. From now on, know exactly what can cause this problem to arise. And don’t forget: knowing its origin is essential so that you can avoid relapses in the future.
Inappropriate shoes
The perfect shoe is one of the main pillars of preventing problems like shin splints. And, of course, not-so-perfect shoes can contribute to their development.
Therefore, a shoe that does not fit the anatomy of your foot or is too tight can be a great precursor to this situation. In addition to hampering circulation, inappropriate shoes make it difficult to walk and run, causing injuries that can affect the shin or other areas of the foot and legs.
Wrong step
Walking (pardon the pun!) side by side with the use of inappropriate shoes, we have the wrong step. When we step inappropriately on the ground, we can overload nerves and other structures, generating inflammation.
Because of this, it is important to consult an orthopedist if you have a lot of pain in your feet and shin. He can analyze the way you walk, and prescribe exercises and other forms of treatment to address this issue.
Inadequacies in the practice of exercises
Finally, shin splints can also be associated with the practice of physical exercises. It is not uncommon for athletes or people who go to the gym to deal with this problem.
Some of the reasons are:
- lack of stretching;
- prolonged runs, with the weight “thrown forward”;
- very long days of exercises, generating excessive stress in the cinnamon region;
- running on uneven ground.
Therefore, it is important that you do not overdo your sports practice. Physical activities are all good, as long as they are done responsibly and carefully.
There are also cases where shin splints are caused by more serious issues, such as infections and even some types of cancer.
However, don’t worry! These cases are extremely rare and very specific. If you are dealing with this issue, trust your doctor and follow the proposed treatment.
How to treat shin splints?
And by the way, it’s time to mention how shin splints are treated! One of the main precautions at this stage is rest, which should be as intense as possible. In addition, the use of anti-inflammatory drugs (oral or topical) may be recommended. However, no self-medicating, huh?
In some cases, it is also indicated that the patient undergoes physical therapy in order to reduce inflammation and, at the same time, strengthen the region. This is a great strategy to prevent problems in the future.
Finally, it’s important to know the cause of shin splints and, of course, eliminate it from your routine. This way, you can prevent this problem from happening again.
What happens if you don’t treat shin splints?
One of the immediate consequences of not treating shin splints is the damage caused to mental health and quality of life. After all, the patient is in a constant state of pain, having their daily activities hampered due to the discomfort.
However, that is not all. Not treating this inflammation can cause it to advance and reach the tibia (bone), damaging its structure and making the patient more prone to fractures in the region. In other words, the problem could get worse.
How to prevent shin splints?
The best ways to prevent shin splints are:
- perform physical exercises in a moderate way — and, preferably, with the support of a professional in the area;
- do not overdo the exercises;
- stretching before and after physical activity;
- wear good shoes that provide adequate support for your feet;
- improve the step;
- walk, whenever possible, barefoot.
With these practices, chances are you’ll never suffer from shin splints again. But don’t forget to wait for complete recovery from the current crisis before going back to the gym or your sports practice, ok? At the moment, total rest is indispensable!
Did you like to know more about shin splints? While this is a pretty annoying problem, you can never have too much information! Now, you are equipped with details that will certainly help with your treatment and prevent new cases of inflammation in the future.
Do you have any questions or would you like to take a look at your shin splints case? Then get in touch with Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein!
Technical review: Alexandre R. Marra, researcher at the Instituto Israelita de Ensino e Pesquisa Albert Einstein (IIEP) and permanent professor at the Graduate Program in Health Sciences at the Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein (FICSAE).
Source: vidasaudavel.einstein.br
