There are a number of factors that will significantly contribute to the sensation of pain or discomfort in the shin bone. However, it is essential to identify if the pain originates from the bone or from the muscles around that area. Shin splints are a very common condition that is characterized by a significant amount of pain in the front of the outer leg, just below the knee. The pain seems to be more prominent at the beginning of a period of physical exertion; this pain tends to disappear in the middle and then reappears once again towards the end of the workout. In more severe cases the pain can be quite debilitating causing a number of athletes to completely stop their workout. The pain may seem to significantly increase when you bend your foot or toes downwards. Sometimes, a reddish coloration may also be present around the shin. Running your fingers over the affected area may help you identify the presence of bumps or lumps around the shin as well.
If the condition is purely cramps originating from the muscles around the shin, the most common causes include excessively cold temperatures – which cause the muscles to stiffen significantly making them cramp up when suddenly jerked into action. This is the main reason that you will see all athletes warm up their muscles before conducting any strenuous physical activity. Cramps could also be caused as a result of too much strain – implying that you could be overdoing the amount of physical activity to the point that it is more destructive than constructive. Dehydration is also another very common cause of cramps; therefore make sure that you drink a significant amount of water throughout the course of the day.
If the primary cause of the pain is the presence of shin splints, you should try applying some form of ice therapy to the affected area. At times of heightened pain and inflammation, the ice therapy will prove significantly soothing and help reduce the inflammation and pain. The type of footwear you choose is a very important factor in reducing the level at which the condition can affect your daily life. Ensure that you wear shoes with shock absorbent insoles to help reduce the amount of shock exerted on the lower leg when walking or running. You could also try applying some heat by using a heat retainer over the shin to provide support from compression to the lower leg, thereby helping reduce the strain on the muscles.