Shin Splints Prevention
Premiership Football Physiotherapist Neal Reynolds talks to Sportsinjuryclinic.net about preventing shin pain. See below for our top tips.
- Increase training gradually.
- Do not run too often on hard surfaces. You can do more training if you run off-road.
- Avoid running a lot on your toes. Not easy if you are a sprinter but varying the training surface can help.
- Ensure you have the correct footwear and that it is not too old. A pair of running shoes will have lost most of their cushioning after 400 miles. If you run few miles but your shoes are over 6 months old then they still may need replacing.
- Check you do not overpronate. See a podiatrist or Sports injury therapist / Physiotherapist that can assess this.
- Continue to stretch properly - especially the muscles at the back of the lower leg.
- Get a regular sports massage. This will help keep the muscles of the lower leg supple and in good condition.
- Apply ice to the shin after training. This may help keep inflammation down before it gets bad.
- Wear a shock absorbing insole.
