Shin splints, refers to pain located in the front of the shin. The pain may be located toward the inside of the shin, or the outside of the shin. This condition usually occurs as a result of increased amounts of running or walking. However, the main reason for its occurrence is inefficient foot function. When the foot is not functioning as it should, the increased activity may then cause shin pain.
It may seem odd that a problem in the foot would lead to shin pain. However, this is because many of the muscles that assist in supporting the foot actually extend up into the leg and attach to the shin bone. Therefore, if the arch of the foot tends to collapse, these muscles will work extra hard in an attempt to help support the foot. As a result, there is excessive stress at the attachment of these muscles on the shin bone, which results in inflammation and pain. The most effective way to treat shin splints is with proper footwear and the use of custom orthotics to restore normal foot function.