Shin splints, also known as Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome or MTSS affects a lot of people when they do various activities. However, the most commonly affected group of people are runners. As a matter of fact, shin splints account for almost seventeen percent of all injuries related to running. People who practice aerobics frequently also have a high number of occurrences, up to twenty-two percent, in fact. As per studies, MTSS occurs more commonly among women than it does in men. The condition is often a result of overworking your muscles in your thighs and your legs. Weakened core muscles, as well as muscle imbalances are also important factors that contribute to this condition. A sudden increase in the intensity of one’s activity often leads to MTSS. This is due to the fact that the muscles and tendons are no longer able to absorb the force they are being subjected to.
Traditionally the treatment for the condition is to apply ice on the affected area, rest and take anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen. Rest is an important part of an effective shin splints cure and also the most difficult one for people to follow. Athletes and people who are naturally active do not take to slowing down and will often load up on painkillers, medication or just ignore the pain, which further spells disaster. Clearly, rest is important, as much as it would be unfortunate for an active person to just lay down doing nothing. Mild cases often take three weeks to recover while those who just won’t quit being active can take as long as three months to recover.