Shin splints refer to leg pain between the knee and ankle that is caused by damage or inflammation of those tendons and muscles. It’s important to visit your doctor to rule out fractures if the stress is severe.
Shin splints are generally caused by over-using the involved muscles and tendons through increased exercise or running. However, over-pronation, or excessive bending of the foot, can also be a contributor, since arches that aren’t doing their job properly cause other leg muscles to work harder.
There are many ways to treat shin splints; it’s best to consult with your doctor before beginning any treatment. Rest, ice and anti-inflammatory medications are a good temporary fix, though they won’t treat the root of the problem. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged muscles and tendons.
In order to treat the cause of the pain, you’ll need exercise and orthotic arch supports. Stretching and strengthening exercises can help take pressure off the shins, and prevent shin splints from reoccurring as your muscles get stronger but if the root cause is over-pronation, other remedy measures are needed. Orthotic Arch Supports are designed to completely support your arch and the wearing of quality orthotic arch supports allows the affected muscles and tendons to heal and prevent shin splints in the future. The brands that allow for customization through heat-molding are generally the best as they will conform to the unique shape of your foot. CurrexSole FootDiscs, Sole Custom Foot Bed Insoles, Spenco Orthotic Arch Supports, Superfeet Premium Insoles and the Sof Sole FIT Insoles are excellent in offering the best in arch support. Sole Foot Bed Insoles provide the ultimate in heat molded Insoles for the perfect fit to align and balance the foot properly.
Often shin splints occur while running. While most joggers land on their heels, sprinting is performed on the toes, as is some middle-distance running. In most middle to long-distance running, striking with the heel, rolling through the foot and pushing off the ball is the most efficient. Competitive runners vary in styles, but as distance increases, more runners tend towards striking with the heel or mid-foot as the natural gait of the body – most marathoners can be seen to strike with the heel. In preventing shin-splints, heel-striking offers the best shock absorption and natural form, reducing impact stress on the calf and shin muscles. The use of a good cushioning insole can help absorb shock and offer energy return to heel striking. If you seek a cushion insole, The Spenco Polysorb Cross Trainer Insoles and Spenco Polysorb Walker Runner Insoles provide a 44% energy return in the heel strike area. Another fine product is the Sof Sole Athlete and Sof Sole Arch Performance Insoles to offer superb cushioning to help absorb the impact.
The shin muscles can also be somewhat alleviated by footwear and choice of surface. Runners who strike heavily with the heel should look for shoes or insoles which provide ample rear foot cushioning. The so-called “neutral” shoes for bio-mechanically efficient runners may not have adequate support in the heel, because the runners for whom these shoes are intended do not require it. Excessive pronation is another cause and can be reduced by the use of orthotic arch supports. Check out our Insoles at The Insole Store.com Today!