Start of fall sports means more shin splints; how to avoid them
10:18 a.m. Thursday, August 28, 2008
Sometimes, even the most well-conditioned athletes are sidelined with shin splints.
Shin splints occur when your calf muscle is overly tight.
Orthopedic surgeon Marvin Royster says shin splints can be caused by inadequate stretching, worn-out footwear and flat feet.
"The condition can be painful. They'll feel like a burning pain. Some people get a sharp stabbing pain over the front of the leg and lower leg," Royster said.
University of Georgia Athletic Trainer Ron Courson says shin splints are the most common injury he sees.
"It can range in degrees from muscle strains or irritations to compartment syndrome to stress fractures," he said.
Courson suggests ice, anti-inflammatory medications and rest are the best treatments, and he tells athletes that proper stretching is the best prevention. "You can typically do weight-bearing like finding a tree or a fence or a wall, putting one leg back and leaning forward with your body weight," he said.
Courson suggests stretching before exercising and afterward goes a long way toward preventing not just shin splints, but other injuries as well.
Experts also say purchasing the right shoe is another great way to prevent serious injuries.
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