Shin Splints

Symptoms
Shin splints cause pain in the front of the outer leg below the knee. The pain of shin splints is characteristically located on the outer edge of the mid region of the leg next to the shin bone. Pain is often noted at the early portion of the workout, then, lessens only to reappear near the end of the training session. Shin splint discomfort is often described as dull at first. However, with continuing trauma, the pain may become so extreme as to cause the person to stop workouts altogether.


Causes
A primary culprit causing shin splints is a sudden increase in distance or intensity of a workout schedule. This increase in muscle work may be associated with inflammation of the lower leg muscles, those muscles used in lifting the foot. Similarly, a tight Achilles tendon or weak ankle muscles are also often a factor in the development of shin splints.


Treatment
By focusing on massaging the calves and shins to release painful trigger points and adhesions as well as addressing any musculature throughout the body that are imbalanced, this condition can be eliminated and get you back to your activity quickly. Neuromuscular therapy is extremely effective in recovery from shin splints. Thorough treatment is important to the condition from worsening and from any reoccurances.