Is there a cure for bad shins?

running watches soleus image

BigShiv

I weigh 234 LB and I started tennis about 2 weeks ago and have lost about 5Lb. They make us run for about 20 minutes straight and my shins have began to hurt. I have good sneakers and run properly. but is there a cure for this? please let me know!

Answer
You have what are called "shin splints." I see this question about once a week. It's extremely common among runners, and luckily it can usually be treated with some simple exercises to strengthen your tibialis muscle.

First, a quick anatomy lesson so you can understand what's going on here.

Shinsplints are usually the product of an underdeveloped Tibialis Anterior -- which is just a fancy name for the muscle on the front of your shin.

http://www.exrx.net/Muscles/TibialisAnterior.html

This is the muscle that allows you to pull your toes up toward your knee -- it also comes into play when you are running or walking down hill. In many people, this muscle is out of balance with the stronger gastrocnemius and soleus muscles (which are to the rear of your calf), which tends to get a lot of exercise just by walking or running on even surfaces everyday.

This imbalance is probably what you are experiencing.

There is actually a really simple, but little known exercise that can strengthen the tibialis and pretty much banish shinsplints.

Here is a link to one variation, performed on top of a couple of plates:

http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/TibialisAnterior/DBReverseCalfRaise.html

You can accomplish the same thing by standing on a 2x4 or similar raised surface and, flexing at the ankles, pull your toes upward.

You can also perform this by placing a lightweight dumbell between your feet and flexing at the ankle. Go here to see a picture (you'll need to scroll down to the calves area):

http://health.yahoo.com/topic/fitness/healthyhabits/article/mens-health/5491

I'm a big fan of this exercise and have watched it work wonders for people with shin splints. Perform it one to two times a week, and work your weight up over time. Aim for 15-20 reps, 3 sets.

Best of luck!

What is the best way to deal with shin splints, and how do I prevent them?

Katie T

Answer
Shin splints are extremely common among runners, and luckily it can usually be treated with some simple exercises to strengthen your tibialis muscle.

First, a quick anatomy lesson so you can understand what's going on here.

Shinsplints are usually the product of an underdeveloped Tibialis Anterior -- which is just a fancy name for the muscle on the front of your shin.

http://www.exrx.net/Muscles/TibialisAnterior.html

This is the muscle that allows you to pull your toes up toward your knee -- it also comes into play when you are running or walking down hill. In many people, this muscle is out of balance with the stronger gastrocnemius and soleus muscles (which are to the rear of your calf), which tends to get a lot of exercise just by walking or running on even surfaces everyday.

This imbalance is probably what you are experiencing.

There is actually a really simple, but little known exercise that can strengthen the tibialis and pretty much banish shinsplints.

Here is a link to one variation, performed on top of a couple of plates:

http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/TibialisAnterior/DBReverseCalfRaise.html

You can accomplish the same thing by standing on a 2x4 or similar raised surface and, flexing at the ankles, pull your toes upward.

You can also perform this by placing a lightweight dumbell between your feet and flexing at the ankle. Go here to see a picture (you'll need to scroll down to the calves area):

http://health.yahoo.com/topic/fitness/healthyhabits/article/mens-health/5491

I'm a big fan of this exercise and have watched it work wonders for people with shin splints. Perform it one to two times a week, and work your weight up over time. Aim for 15-20 reps, 3 sets.

Best of luck!

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