Shin splints, or medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), is a general term that is used to refer to lower leg pain that occurs around the front outside part of the leg, or around the shins. Shin splints are common in athletes of all types as well as in non athletes who are transitioning from a more sedentary lifestyle into a more active one.The most common causes of shin splints include: overpronation, lack of proper stretching, non supportive shoes, excessive stress, or frequent, repetitive use of the muscles in the shin. Individuals with flat feet or high arches are also more at risk of developing shin splints while exercising or participating in other high motion activities. Most often, shin splints will primarily affect one leg in particular, which is usually the dominant leg of the individual (similar to the dominant hand). The pain tends to be most common on the inside of the shin, though shin splints can strike anywhere on the lower leg.
Despite understanding what can cause shin splints, there is still a great deal of confusion around the subject of what shin splints actually are. However, it is generally agreed that shin splint pain centers around inflammation of the muscles, tendons, or bone issue in the leg surrounding the tibia.One way to try and reduce one's propensity to develop shin splints is to seek out athletic footwear that is better suited for cushioning the foot and providing better shock resistance and support for the leg. The following short guide will go into detail on a few different shoes that are rated highly when it comes to preventing shin splints.
