If you are a runner you’ve likely experienced the dreaded pain in the front of your lower legs known as shin splints, or anterior tibial stress syndrome.
Shin splints are a common overuse injury that occurs most often in runners or people starting to run or walk for exercise for the first time. The pain in your anterior shin, or your anterior tibialis muscle to be specific, can happen when increasing training volume or intensity and is often a classic case of “too much, too soon.” As a result, the muscle becomes strained and painful.
The function of the anterior tibialis muscle is to control the foot from “slapping” down on the ground as your heel contacts the ground when running and walking. It also serves to lift the toes up toward the shin (dorsiflexion) so it doesn’t drag when your foot swings forward.
Some ways to treat this annoying issue includes modifying your activity to slowly build up tolerance to the new volume or intensity, landing with a more flat-foot or forefoot strike when running, and building up the strength in the muscle so it can tolerate more moving forward in your training.
If you’re experiencing this issue, check out this video below where we go through a progression of strengthening exercises to get rid of shin splints for good, and help build resiliency in your lower extremities.
Still struggling? We’d love to help you out! Here at Mission Move physical therapy, we are athletes ourselves who understand the importance of training and remaining active in the ways you want.
Are you an active adult or athlete living in Roswell, Johns Creek, or Alpharetta, and experiencing shin splints or another issue that is holding you back? Since 2008 our proven 3 step plan has helped people stay in the game and keep doing all the awesome activities they love. Please give us a call or text us at 678-400-0300.
