symptom
Shin pain
Your shin is the area over the tibia bone. This is the area between the knee and the ankle at the front of the leg. Shin pain is caused by inflammation of the muscles, tendons, or bone over the shin area.
What can you find here?
What increases my risk of developing shin pain?
Lifestyle factors put you at more risk of developing shin pain such as excessive drinking or smoking. Excessive physical activity, as well as running or bounding on hard surfaces, being flat-footed, or having low vitamin D can all increase your risk. Age and genetics are risk factors that you cannot adjust for that may also put you at more risk.
Pharmacist recommended products
When should I see my doctor?
Most causes of shin pain are not serious and tend to get better with time on their own. If you sustained an acute injury and there is the possibility of a fracture, you should attend your nearest accident and emergency department as soon as possible. If you find your symptoms are persisting more than a few weeks or the pain is worsening, it is worthwhile speaking to your doctor who may refer you to a physiotherapist for more input or order more tests and investigations if they are concerned.
Can I prevent shin pain?
If your shin pain is caused by lifestyle factors, it is possible to reduce the risk of developing them. This can be done by giving up smoking or reducing the amount you drink and ensuring that you have adequate Vitamin D through diet and supplements.
When you are exercising it is important that you have the correct supportive sportswear. Shock-absorbing shoes, shin pads, and insoles are all effective measures to provide you with more support. You should increase your exercise levels gradually instead of doing sudden intense activity, as this would put you more at risk of developing symptoms.
Related topics
Read about Vitamin D deficiency
Read about Ankle pain
Read about Knee pain
Read about Foot pain
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