Shins often hurt because of shin splints, which are primarily an overuse problem.
Understanding Shin Pain: Shin Splints
Shin splints, medically known as medial tibial stress syndrome, are a very common cause of pain along the inner edge of the shinbone (tibia). This pain isn't typically due to a single event but develops gradually over time.
The Root Cause: Overuse and Overloading
According to the reference provided, you get shin splints from overloading your leg muscles, tendons or shin bone. This overloading happens when your lower legs are subjected to high impact and repetitive exercise.
When you engage in activities that repeatedly stress your lower legs, the muscles and tendons around your shinbone can become inflamed, or the bone itself can be overloaded, leading to pain.
Who is Most Affected?
Certain activities and populations are more prone to experiencing shin splints due to the nature of their movement. The reference highlights that this is why:
- Runners: Especially those increasing mileage or intensity too quickly, or running on hard surfaces.
- Dancers: Due to repetitive jumping and forceful movements.
- Gymnasts: Engaging in high-impact landings and routines.
These individuals often perform the kind of repetitive, high-impact movements that place significant stress on the lower leg anatomy, leading to the development of shin splints.
Practical Insights
Shin pain from overuse is a signal that your lower legs are being stressed beyond their current capacity. Addressing the cause typically involves managing the level of activity and allowing the muscles, tendons, and bone to recover and adapt.