We see a lot of athletes with the same issues, and they ask the same questions. Here is one we hear often. “I get shin splints when running. How can I avoid this?”
Dr. Kevin Fox-Chen works with Dr. Lewis-Caballero in the Pro. Body. Wellness. clinic. He has this advice for athletes.
Shin splints are traditionally an overuse injury. The force from muscles attached to the shin bone (tibia) overload the bony attachment and when untreated can even lead to stress fractures. The first recommendation is to reduce and sometimes even eliminate training volume.
Secondly, shin splints have been shown to relate to downhill training especially with low cushioning (road runners we’re talking about you!); High, repetitive, eccentric force on the tibia from braking down hill is a large factor for the development of shin splints. Thirdly, having your ankle, knee and hip biomechanics assessed can help you prevent recurring shin splints that don’t appear to be related to the first two recommendations.
If you have a question about your own body wellness – let us know. Or come in for a visit. It’s worth the trip to Burlington, ON.
