0 Shin Splints. What Causes Them and How To Get Rid of Them

Shin splints.  If you run on the road regularly or play high intensity sport, you'll more than likely experience this annoying, pain in the front of your lower leg.  More formally known as Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), is a common, and potentially debilitating injury that plagues many runners. 

Symptoms vary in intensity, from a vague discomfort or tightness in your shin area, up to sharp, recurring stabbing pains that hit every time you take a step.  Bad cases can even lead to stress fractures that will keep you off your feet completely if not treated properly.

Last week I noticed that I was sore in my right shin after running, and have decided that a few weeks off the unforgiving concrete might be a good idea.  I don't want to spend the next three months trying to overcome a chronic injury, so I've backed off my running and increased my cycling and swimming volume to compensate.

Without going into excessive detail, I'll outline some of the causes and a couple of suggested treatments to get you back on your feet again.

In simple terms, "shin splints" is a bucket term for damage to the connective muscle and tissues surrounding the tibia.  More severe cases are sometimes referred to as "compartments syndrome".  

The main causes of Shin Splints are:

• Overuse: Running a lot on hard surfaces (concrete), or ramping up your volume quickly is a frequent cause.  Your legs just get pounded and due to the short recovery times, they become damaged.
• Shoes: Running with old shoes, or shoes that are not suited to your gait, are a potential trigger for shin splints.  You should be changing your shoes every 500 - 600kms or so, and having them professionally fitted by a reputable running shoe specialist.
• Poor biomechanics: Inefficient running technique, overpronation, or poor core strength can all lead to a higher than normal strain on your lower leg muscles that can cause shin splints.

Some advice on curing Shin Splints:

• Cross-train: Mix up your weekly routine and include more cycling, swimming or even Pilates.  The strengthening of your core, and legs, without the heavy impact of running will make your body more resilient.
• Hit The Track: If you need to keep running, try to find a more forgiving surface like a trail or rubberised track for your workouts.  Running on a track will reduce the amount of shock transmitted to your legs.
• Shoes: Get good quality shoes, fitted by a professional.  It will make the world of difference.  A properly fitted shoe will not only provide you the necessary cushioning, but also help to correct any overpronation that may be causing your muscles to overstretch in the front of your legs.
• Stretch, Stretch, Stretch: You should be warming up properly and making sure you stretch your calves, ankles thoroughly before AND after every run.  Tight calves are a well known cause of shin splints.  Taking the time to stretch will save you a lot of pain in the long run.
• Ice: Icing your shins after every run, or better yet taking an ice bath, will reduce any inflammation and aid your recovery.
• Rest: If you're in pain, your body is telling you that something is wrong.  Give it some time to recover with a well earned rest day every now and then.

Shin splints are a painful, annoying condition that can seriously derail your training.  The good news  is that you can do a lot to prevent the onset of shin splints, and if you're unlucky enough to suffer from them, to get rid of them as quickly as possible!

0 Real Men Do Pilates? Why Pilates could be the missing ingredient of your training mix.

I've always been suspicious of "new age" activities. I steered clear of Yoga and turned my nose up at meditation.  I always figured if you're not sweating, you're not working hard enough.  This led to one very, very uncomfortable and rather inelegant encounter with Bikram Yoga.  I always felt the spiritual element was a bit forced and that I was better off just sticking with "real" activities like running, cycling or boxing.  I could not have been more wrong.

Developed in the early part of the 20th Century by Joseph Pilates (above), the practice of Pilates is growing with startling speed.  Performed either on a mat or more commonly a "Reformer" (a device that bears a startling resemblance to a medieval torture device or some sort of kinky sex contraption), and with a focus on the strengthening of the core muscles, improving posture and creating a lean and toned physique, Pilates is becoming more and more popular with celebrities and athletes around the world.  Tiger Woods and NBA star Jason Kidd are vocal boosters of the edge that Pilates has added to their games.

As a pretty average athlete, I'm always looking for any possible advantage I can find.  I first tried Pilates for the first time about a year ago, and am absolutely thrilled that I did.  I wanted to try and improve my core strength and increase the flexibility in my hamstrings (great for cycling), and gained both of these in addition to a noticeable increase in my upper body strength.

Classes consist of a series of stretches and controlled movements (often with resistance provided by a series of springs), with the abdominals, glutes and stabiliser muscles constantly engaged to provide a stable platform and correct posture.  The key to successfully performing Pilates movements is precision.  You need to concentrate fully on your breathing, engagement of your core and moving with control at all times.  I've found this focus on correct technique to be invaluable in my other activities, particularly swimming.  In fact, there was a study of the benefits of this focus on sufferers of Parkinsons Syndrome that seemed to show a real improvement in the symptoms of those sufferers who regularly practised Pilates.

While I've seen real improvements in my strength and mobility since starting Pilates, I genuinely believe that regular sessions have kept me injury free.  Whilst the sessions provide a deep stretch in my legs, arms, chest and back, I think it is the increased strength in my core that has led to me staying fit and healthy.  With a stronger core my posture is better, my running stride is smoother and I'm able to hold my form longer.  I'm convinced this is the reason that I no longer get regular knee and ankle pain, despite increasing the volume and intensity of my training.

Don't just take my word for it.  Give Pilates a try, and I believe you'll be as convinced as I was.  Most gyms include Pilates classes in their group fitness timetable and you can easily do a class in your lunch break.