Do you suffer from shin pain while running?

Do You Suffer from Shin Pain While Running?

Shin pain while running is a common problem, particularly in new runners or in experienced runners who have recently changed their training routine.

One of the most common causes is shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome. This condition often develops after a sudden increase in running distance, speed, hills, training frequency, or a change in footwear or running surface.

People with shin splints commonly experience a dull, aching pain and tenderness along the lower or inner part of the shin. Symptoms may initially appear during or after running, but if the condition progresses, pain can become more persistent and may even occur during everyday activities.

Shin splints are generally thought to result from repetitive stress through the tibia and surrounding tissues. When running load increases faster than the body can adapt, the bone and surrounding structures may not have enough time to recover between training sessions.

Several factors may contribute to shin pain, including:

• Rapid increases in running distance or intensity
• Running on harder or unfamiliar surfaces
• Changes in running shoes
• Reduced calf strength or endurance
• Poor lower-limb control
• Inadequate recovery between training sessions

Ignoring ongoing shin pain can allow symptoms to worsen. In some cases, repetitive bone stress may progress to a bone stress injury or stress fracture, particularly if training continues without appropriate recovery.

Early assessment and sensible load management can help identify the cause of shin pain and guide a safe return to running. Reducing aggravating activity, improving lower-limb strength, reviewing footwear, and gradually rebuilding running load can all play an important role in recovery.

 

 

 

A physiotherapist can help by diagnosing the condition, releasing the tight muscles surrounding the tibia, correcting poor shoes and/or biomechanics, and by identifying which muscles need to be strengthened in order to run pain-free. Often a few small tweaks can make a large difference! To book in with Max or Keziah, click here!