Causes of Shin Pain
Shin pain is commonly described as shin splints, and it is a common complaint in runners. A more accurate term for this type of pain is medial tibial syndrome. It is caused by overuse or repetitive stress on the lower leg, specifically the knee and the ankle.
The problem may be caused by a combination of factors, including poor footwear, improper training methods, or an injury to the leg. When the muscles and bone tissue become overworked due to the increased forces involved in running, they begin to experience pain. The pain is usually felt on the front and sides of the lower shin area.
In most cases, it is the periosteum that is affected by this disease. The periosteum is the outer covering of bone and is attached to the bone tissue. It acts as a shock absorber and helps distribute forces to the bone tissue. It is also a significant component of the blood supply to the bones. If the periosteum is damaged, the body cannot provide adequate nutrients and oxygen to the bone. This can cause pain and weakness in the legs.
The most common causes include the following:
- Sudden changes in physical activity: When you start doing something radically different as a part of your training, your legs can start hurting due to the repetitive activity and its impact on the periosteum. It can be due to a change in the number of days you exercise, or the intensity and duration of your exercise every day. It could be that you’re not used to running uphill or long distances, and you suddenly start doing it. These are all common causes of shin splints.
- Foot problems and improper footwear: Your feet are essential to you if you’re a runner or an athlete who frequently uses their legs. If you have foot problems such as rigid arches and flat feet or wear improper footwear, you could end up with shin splints. Flat feet consist of flattening the arc, which can result in pain while walking. You have rigid arches if the arch is higher than usual. You’re wearing improper footwear if it is worn out or not suitable for what you’re doing. For example, you can’t expect to run a long distance in formal shoes and get away with it without any pain.