Causes of Shin Pain

Shin pain can result from a number of factors. You need to first determine if the pain is arising from the muscles of the shin or from the bone. Pain that is experienced in the front region of the outer leg constitutes a condition known as shin splints. Shin splints are known to result from injuries to the tendon and surrounding tissues of the front of the outer leg. The inflammation caused by these injuries results in pain in the shin. Shin splints are often referred to as overuse injuries and they occur more commonly in runners.

The pain that is caused by a shin splint becomes more apparent at the start of physical activity or exertion. It then subsides until it disappears, only to surface again at the end of the activity. In severe cases, the pain may worsen to such an extent that activity cannot be performed at all. This is especially in the case of athletes who may need to discontinue training due to the pain and discomfort caused by shin splints. Bending the foot and toes can also aggravate the pain. In some cases, there may be redness along the area of the shin. Bumps on the surface of the shin can also be identified in some cases. Shin pain may also be caused by muscle cramps which especially occur in cold weather. Sudden movements of these muscles cause stiffening and cramps. As such a warm-up is required before any type of physical exertion. Excessive physical activity can also lead to cramps due to over exertion of the shin muscles. When dehydration occurs, the body muscles can also cramp up and cause pain. Drinking sufficient amounts of water will help to prevent this.

Shin Splints Treatments: In case of shin splints, cold compresses are known to be effective in relieving pain. Ice packs help to soothe the area and reduce pain and inflammation. Wearing the right kind of foot wear is also important in preventing shin pain. Your shoes must have insoles that are shock absorbent so that the pressure exerted on the leg while walking is reduced. Heat therapy also works well in treating shin pain. Shin splints can get aggravated from continued use of the legs. Allow your body to rest and heal, before resuming activity. Running on concrete roads can be very harmful for the legs. Train on a running track or grass for best results. Gently massaging the shin area will also help to relieve pain and muscle tension.