What causes Shin Splints?

Shin splints do not occur overnight; it gradually develops over time due to the repeated stress on tendons and their attachments to bone. Left untreated, shin splints can result in several distressing, yet avoidable, complications. Simple stretching, proper shoegear selection and adjuncts, such as insoles, play vital roles in prevention and treatment of shin splints.

The underlying problem responsible for shin splint development is abnormal biomechanics (i.e., improper functioning of the involved anatomy). The anterior and posterior leg muscle groups should be equal in strength. When one group overpowers the other, the weaker muscle must work harder to balance the muscle pulls.

Lack of proper stretching before and after running can increase susceptibility to shin splints. Tight calf muscles limit motion at the ankle joint, which in turn places additional stress on the tendon attachments resulting in shin splints. Frequent and sudden stopping while running and regular down hill running can contribute to shin splints. Although primarily associated with posterior shin splints, flat foot syndrome (over-pronation) can also present with anterior shin splint symptoms. Improper fitting shoes can create artificial environments in which extra strain is placed on tendons. Excessive wear or breakdown on the medial (arch) side of the shoe, usually resulting from unbalanced tendon function, behaves like a collapsed arch (flat foot). Excessive compression of the shoe heel causes the calf muscles to work more to compensate for a lack of heel stability. Bottom line: Any activity that results in abnormal strain on a tendon’s attachment to underlying bone can cause symptoms of shin splint syndrome.