The Fix
The Lowdown on Shin Splints
There are certain conditions that seem to plague certain runners, and others never experience them at all. These include things like IT band syndrome and plantar fasciitis, and – one of the most notorious – shin splints. We hope you’re not one of those who suffers, but if you are, here are some tips on treatment and prevention.
Toronto’s Michael Clarfield, sports medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic Canada, has seen many runners complaining of shin pain. He explains that shin splints (the medical term is medial tibial stress syndrome) refers to any pain in the shin area between the knee and ankle. The problem can occur either on the medial (inside), lateral (outside), anterior (front) or posterior ( back) portion of the shin bone or tibia and surrounding t issue. Inf lammation of this soft tissue that attaches to the bone will cause pain, but this is not to minimize the issue – Clarfield warns that if you ignore shin splints, they may become more serious, and can even lead to stress fractures.
But fear not, this pain can be treated. It is important that your physician actually diagnoses the exact cause of the shin splint, as this will determine the correct treatment.
Classically, it’s an overuse problem. For many runners, especially those just starting out, sometimes our eagerness to increase our mileage can get the better of us. But poor biomechanics may also contribute, as certif ied pedorthist Peter Charbonneau, who provides consulting services to various sports medicine clinics in Toronto, explains: “It’s possible that an excessive amount of mobility needs to be controlled, either by different footwear, an arch support system or possibly custom orthotics.” He lists also muscle tightness, muscle imbalances, excessive joint mobility, or inadequate motion in certain joints of the foot or ankle complex as possible contributing factors. Even a change in your bodyweight, your running shoes or the surface you’re running on can result in shin splints.
When you’re ready to return to running, go slow. “I used to get shin splints every cross-country season during the first week of running,” says Reid Coolsaet, one of Canada’s most successful marathoners. “I’d suggest if you’ve taken an extended period off running, then you must ease into training. That might mean starting back with a fiveminute run, but once you get a few short runs in, then you can usually ramp up a bit quicker.”