If you’ve been running and felt crippling pain in your lower leg, you understand how off-putting shin splints are. Athletes and military personnel can deal with shin splints more often than most people. However, suppose you consistently encounter shin splints during your everyday activities. In that case, it could signify that there are other issues at play and addressing the issue at its source is the key to getting you back on your feet.
Are you wondering why you seem to get shin splints all the time? Here are a few possible causes and what you can do to combat the issue.
Sudden Increase In Physical Activity
While participating in a consistent exercise regimen plays a critical role in maintaining your overall health, over-exerting yourself could be a cause behind having shin splints. For instance, if your normal jogging routine consists of running on flat surfaces and you suddenly switch to running uphill more often, it can put additional stress on your lower legs, resulting in shin splints. Also, if you increase the length of time your exercise and exercise more often, it can be a recipe for shin splints to give you issues.
Having Flat Feet
Having flat feet or rigid arches can increase the likelihood of having chronic shin splints. The arches in your feet can act as a natural shock absorber for your body as you run or walk. If your feet are flat, they aren’t necessarily protected from the pounding they take when they hit the ground, thus, overexerting them and causing shin splints.
Stress Fracture
If you experience chronic shin splints, it’s essential for you to receive a proper evaluation and examination from a qualified professional. In some cases, people mistake a stress fracture for a shin splint and cause long-term damage due to self-diagnosis. The professionals here at the Orthopedic Associates of Long Island have many years of experience treating conditions like shin splints and correcting the issues they cause. The first step in determining the most suitable treatment for your needs is to call us. Please schedule a consultation at one of our 8 locations by contacting us today at 631.689.6698.