Dr. Pavan

Shin splints is a condition, which is characterized by pain in the shin bone, the bone that is present in front of the leg. Shin splints tend to occur quite frequently in runners and dancers as their activities tend to stress the shin bone.

Causes: When excess force is applied to the shinbone, it may result in swelling of the muscles, causing pain and inflammation. It may also occur from stress reactions to fractures in the bone. Cracks tend to develop due to constant application of force in the bones. If the area is not well rested then these cracks will not heal and ultimately lead to a complete fracture.

Some other causes of shin splints are:

1. Muscle imbalance in the glutes or the thighs
2. Anatomical deformity such as flat foot
3. Not using proper form during training
4. Lack of flexibility
5. If you wear improper shoes during workouts, then it may lead to shin problems
6. Running downhill may lead to excessive stress on the shin leading to shin splints

Symptoms:
The symptoms of shin splints are: 

1. You may experience swelling in the lower leg
2. A dull pain in the front portion of the leg
3. Tenderness around the shin area
4. Numbness around the shin area
5. Inflammation in the shin area
6. You may experience severe pain while walking

Treatment: The basic treatment for shin splints is the RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation) protocol. It means allowing the leg to rest, applying ice packs and wearing compression bandages. It is recommended to take rest and not exert the leg beyond a certain point to limit the damage. The complications that may result from shin splints are compartment syndrome, where there is buildup of pressure in the muscle. In some cases, where the muscle tears off from the bone, a surgery may be required to treat this condition. If you wish to discuss any specific problem, you can consult an orthopedist.

Too much of something is never a good idea. Running is a great way to exercise, but if you don't run in moderation and do not take care of yourself, you could foresee more than one health problem. If you push yourself too hard as a runner, you could face one of more of these running problems.

Runner's knee: If the bones in your knee shift out of alignment, the condition is called runner's knee. This is one of the most common overuse injuries. At first you may not realize it, but with time, this can cause the cartilage in the knee to wear out. This can create excruciating pain. A few simple ways of making yourself more comfortable are:

• Squatting
• Walking up and down stairs
• Bending your knee while sitting

Stress fracture: A stress fracture is a small crack in the shin bone or one of the bones in your foot. This can happen if you suddenly over exert without giving your body time to get used to running. Since it is only a crack, a doctor will not normally out your leg or foot in a cast. The only way to let your bones heal in such a condition is to rest it.

Shin splint: Flat footed people are most susceptible to shin splints. Shin splints can be caused by stress fractures and overused or weakened muscles. To treat a shin splint, give your leg plenty of rest and gently stretch it. Give yourself a few weeks to recover before you start running again.

Achilles tendinitis: Inflammation of the Achilles tendon is known as Achilles tendinitis. The Achilles tendon attaches the calf muscle to the heel. Suddenly increasing the distance you run in a day is the most common cause of Achilles tendinitis. The most common symptom of this condition is pain and stiffness around the ankle. Ice the area to deal with the immediate pain and discomfort. Your ankle will also need plenty of rest to properly heal. Stretching the calf muscles can also prove to be beneficial.

Muscle pulls: Almost every runner suffers from a muscle pull at some point or the other. A muscle pull can be defined as a small tear in the muscle. Muscle pulls usually affect the hamstrings, quadriceps, calf and groin. To treat a muscle tear, keep your leg elevated; give it plenty of rest and use an ice pack or compression pack on the area.

Apart from these, a few other injuries that runners often suffer from include ankle sprains, blisters, IT band syndrome and plantar fasciitis. If you wish to discuss any specific problem, you can consult an orthopedist.