Shin splints are caused by fatigue and trauma to the muscles and tendons in the lower leg and ankle area from the excessive force exerted during activities like running and dancing. Athletes, runners, dancers, and aggressive walkers are most at risk. To avoid shin splints, one should use good quality shoes, gradually increase exercise intensity, rest when needed, and watch for proper form and terrain. Treatments include resting, icing, anti-inflammatory drugs, arch supports, exercises and compression sleeves.

1. Shin Splints By: Rogelia Garcia

2. What are shin splints A shin splint is a result from fatigue and or trauma to the muscles, tendons where they attach themselves to the tibia. In an effort to keep the foot ankle and lower leg stable the muscles exert a great force on the tibia. This excessive force can result in the tendons being partially torn away from the bone.

3. Who is more effected by shin splints Athletes Runners Dancers Aggressive walkers

4. How to avoid Shin splints Buy good quality running shoes Be careful about increasing exercising workouts Take a day or two of rest Watch the camber on streets Warm up before exercising Watch your running form Listen to your body

5. Overload causes include Exercising on hard surfaces, like concrete Exercising on uneven ground Beginning an exercise program after a long lay-off period Increasing exercise intensity or duration too quickly Exercising in worn out or ill fitting shoes Excessive uphill or down hill running

6. Treatments for shin splints rest Icing the shin Anti-flammatory painkillers Arch supports for your shoes Range of motion exercises Neoprene sleeve Compression Elevation