• Aching along front of shin during or after activity / running
• Pain along inside (medial)of the shin or lower leg
• Generally develops gradually over weeks or months
• May have swelling in lower leg (in area of pain)
• Soreness can be felt along the lateral and medial side of the shin bone
What are some of the symptoms?
• Common, umbrella term used to identify pain along the shin or front of lower leg.
• More specific names for this condition are based on the area of the pain and the anatomy involved
• Injury generally occurs as a result of overuse
• Shin splints has a variety of causes and the location and severity of shin splints will vary for each person
• The most common type of shin splints is medial tibial syndrome. The majority of people will experience pain on the inside of their leg.
• Anterior compartment syndrome is also very common.
What are the causes of Shin splints?
• Excessive Pronation or not enough pronation. Pronation is a natural shock absorbing mechanism of the body and is needed while walking or running.
• When analysing different gait patterns from heel striking to midfoot and pose forefoot running, the most notable factor for persisting shin splints was incorrect footwear for that first contact is on the heel and outside of the foot; followed by a shift of body weight continuing forward, toward the arch and toes. Some people tend to land more towards the midfoot and this can sometimes place more stress through the front of the shins.
• If the foot is weak or tired and/or the footwear is not supportive, then the arch can flatten more than normal, which is excessive pronation. On the other hand if the shoe is too supportive it will not allow normal pronation of the foot and cause the shock to pass up through the shin muscle causing soreness.
• Flattening of the arch (excessive pronation) places pressure on the arch and can cause some rotation into the lower leg. This repetitive movement can cause overuse problems from the foot to the back.
• If excessive pronation occurs from lack of support, then, increased stresses can be placed on the lower leg and contribute to overuse problems
• Muscular imbalances of lower leg (calf muscles and anterior leg muscles)
• Insufficient shock absorption
• Poor Biomechanics/Improper foot positioning while running
• Worn out or inappropriate shoes (shoes should typically be replaced after 300-500 miles)
• Sudden increase in exercise or running (too much-too soon)
• Incorrect individual training plan
• Flat pronated feet
How can Footpro help with Shin splints?
Step 1 Analysis
Shins splints are a very common injury and the majority of runner will run into them at some point alone the path. 80% of runners are in the incorrect footwear and of the 100%. This makes it extremely important that any biomechanical issues are identified through Footpro's consultation and that the correct footwear is advised. Sometimes the difference between a correctly aligned shoe and a poor one is a few degrees in calcaneal position.
The barefoot video takes away the footwear variable and allows us to see your foot uninhibited. Heel strike, mid stance and propulsion phases of gait will all be observed from a rear view to determine gait abnormalities which may contribute to the injury. From there we can recommend a variety of solutions which can help alleviate certain symptoms attributed to shin splints.
Step 2 Custom Insoles
Shin Splints can be caused by a variety of factors. Foot functionality or poor biomechanics can directly attribute to this injury. The implementation of a custom insole will help to correct the foot's position. Footpro's unique take on proper foot alignment and manufacturing of custom insoles is driven through the utilization of the windlass mechanism. The adjoining muscles will tend to attach to the foot in some shape or form, therefore if we help create a more stable platform for the foot then these muscle groups will start to work more effectively.
From the information gathered from the footscans we are able to determine where support is needed and how much is required. A lot of issues can stem from not only the amount of pronation or supination present but at what speed it happens.
Step 3 Footwear
Footpro tends to see a huge number of people in the wrong footwear. If your foot is in a too rigid or too soft shoe then you are automatically at a disadvantage and will be more prone to injury. The shoe selection will account for around 60% of the overall alignment solution and in most cases will work in conjunction with a custom insole or orthotic to attain the perfect positioning.
With our Templo video technology we are able to validate all shoe choices and be comfortable knowing your foot is on the right foundation to which we can work from.
