Tight calf muscles often a leading cause of shin splints

Ask the Doc

December 23, 2009

By Dr. Lou Pack Lake Oconee Breeze Wed Dec 23, 2009, 10:50 PM EST

“My son has painful shin splints and can’t run. What can we do for him?”

Shin splints are a “catch all term” used for pain in the front of the legs. It can be very painful and at times prevent most physical activities.

There are a number of conditions that can cause the symptoms commonly referred to as shin splints. One of these is stress fractures. These breaks in the bones usually occur just below the knee and cause small areas of pain especially with direct pressure. Less serious, muscular types of shin splints, most often occur lower (in front part of the leg) and aren’t as painful. But it’s important that an accurate diagnosis be made so as to prevent more serious, chronic complications.

Generally, pain is due to inherent structural problems. For example, someone with a flattened foot (pronation) or a longer leg is predisposed to shin splints. This is especially true if they are engaged in excessive physical activity, like long distance running.

The most common cause for this condition is tight calf muscles. And although attention is usually focused on the front of the legs, it’s these tight muscles in the back that are the real culprit.

When our calf muscles get tight, the muscles in the fronts of our legs have to work harder to pick our feet up when we walk or run. This excessive stress and strain is what results in the painful cramping called shin splints.

And this condition doesn’t just happen to young athletes. Older people often get these very same cramps but attribute them to age or arthritis. Many feel that they are clumsy and trip because of their age, when in reality, they simply can’t pick their feet up because of their tight calf muscles.

Treatment usually consists of ice and rest. But making sure the calf muscles are properly stretched is critically important. And fixing one’s structural problems with a good set of custom foot orthotics (inserts) is often very effective.

Correcting these problems may also help your son perform better (run faster, jump higher etc.) as well as help prevent other problems.

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