Shin splints is a term used to describe an overuse injury, broadly characterised by a dull nagging pain located around the inside / outside of the shin bone (tibia). It is commonly caused by repeatedly loading the front of the lower limb and is often a result of:
- Poorly prescribed training shoes with inappropriate shock absorbing properties
- Limited preparation prior to training (eg: not warming up properly)
- Over-training
- Poor running technique
- Training on hard / uneven surfaces (eg: the camber of the road and or running track)
- Bio-Mechanical related problems – caused by an instability in the foot, ankle, knee and or hip