What are shin splints?

The term “shin splints” covers a wide variety of lower leg injuries. They range from straining the muscles along the shin to fracturing the underlying bone. While all display the same general symptoms of pain around the shin, the specific location of the pain is an important distinction in how to properly treat the injury. 

Where is the pain?

anterior tibial stress syndrome vs posterior tibial stress syndrome

Inside lower half of the shin

Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS)

Running is high-impact, and micro fractures along the tibia (shin bone) can occur. If not properly addressed, this will progress to a more serious stress fracture, known as Medial Tibial Stress Fracture (MTSF). 


Treatment

Stop running for at least 2 weeks to give your bone time to heal. It is highly recommended that you see a physical therapist or available medical professional if experiencing MTSS symptoms.

Outside upper half of the shin

Anterior Tibial Stress Syndrome (ATSS)

This condition results from overworking the muscle on your shin that is responsible for raising your foot, the anterior tibialis. 


Treatment

Adjust how you run. Specifically, stop overstriding by developing a midfoot strike so you are not overloading the tibialis with every step.

How do you develop a midfoot strike? 

Changing how you move is about consistently reinforcing the new movement pattern until the movement transitions from a conscious deliberate movement to an unconscious one. 


This process can be difficult but that's where we come in. The PR1 Footstrike Trainer is designed to specifically help you reinforce proper running movement patterns. The PR1 uses a simple feedback loop to create powerful change. 


Check out the video below to learn more!


Video

Running is a skill

Better form makes running easier and reduces the risk of certain injuries. It opens new possibilities for your running. Start moving better today!