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Shin

Shin Splints or shin pain?

By Cassidy Phillips – Founder of Trigger Point Performance Therapy

Similar to calf pain, aches and pains within the shin region can occur due to the lack of strength and flexibility in the calf muscles (gastrocnemius) including the soleus and posterior tibialis. Muscles are designed to create and maintain structural integrity in the body, especially those in the lower leg. We have to rely on the structural integrity of the muscles to keep us pain free and allow biomechanics to be proper throughout life. Strength, tone, flexibility and hydration are all vital in keeping the muscles healthy.

foot

Biomechanically speaking, all of the muscles in the calf region insert in the bottom of the foot. When the muscles in this area become tight and overworked they reduce dorsiflexion (or range of motion) in the foot and ankle. Once dorsiflexion is lost, the muscle on the front of the leg, the anterior tibialis, will overcompensate and become challenged causing a multitude of problems. One common issue is a shift in weight distribution which can further lead to pain in the knees, hips and lower back.

lowerleg-back

Now, the soleus muscle wraps around the front of the leg (the tibia). If the soleus becomes challenged and loses it’s flexibility and strength, it can potentially become sore and cause aches and pains directly near the tibia. It is possible that the connective tissue surrounding the muscle can actually attach or adhere to the bone at times. This can compromise the muscular structure and reduce the functionality of the muscle itself.

If you continue to overwork the muscles in the general calf area and don’t think about the weight distribution or the flexibility and elasticity of the muscle, eventually the body will lose its ability to perform. This is because the calf muscles are being double-impacted by a weight distribution problem and loss of functionality of the foot. Their main responsibility is to control the foot through movement.

lowerleg-front

When referring to muscular challenges in the shin, the most obvious muscle to focus on is the anterior tibialis. This is the muscle that runs up the front (anterior) of your leg from your foot all the way up to the underside and lateral areas of your knee. If dorsiflexion is lost in the foot, the anterior tibialis is forced to work harder to make up for the imbalance, therefore straining the muscle. It is critical to look not only at the point of pain but also at the biomechanical chain of events. By creating elasticity (with massage) in the calf area, you can reduce the impact on the anterior tibialis.