Best exercises: 5 shin splint exercises to reduce pain

Best exercises: Calf raises help strengthen the calf muscles, which support the shinbone and reduce the strain on it (Image: Canva)

Shin splints, medically known as medial tibial stress syndrome, are a common problem for runners, dancers, hikers, and anyone engaged in high-impact physical activities. The pain, often caused by repetitive stress on the shinbone and the connective tissues, can be debilitating and hinder your performance. Fortunately, adding specific exercises into your routine can help alleviate this discomfort and strengthen the muscles to prevent future occurrences:

Toe Raises

Toe raises are a simple yet effective exercise that targets the muscles in the front of your lower legs, particularly the tibialis anterior, which plays a crucial role in reducing shin splint pain. Toe raises can be performed anywhere and are a great way to strengthen the anterior shin muscles, providing better support for your shins during physical activities.

Steps:

• Stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart.
• Slowly lift your toes off the ground, keeping your heels planted.
• Hold the position for 2-3 seconds, then lower your toes back down.
• Repeat for 3 sets of 15-20 repetitions.

Calf raises help strengthen the calf muscles, which support the shinbone and reduce the strain on it. Strong calves can absorb more impact, reducing the likelihood of shin splints. For an added challenge, try performing calf raises on one leg at a time. This variation increases the intensity and helps build unilateral strength, which is beneficial for runners and athletes.

Steps:

• Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, preferably on a step or raised platform for greater range of motion.
• Slowly rise onto your toes, lifting your heels as high as possible.
• Hold the position for 2-3 seconds, then slowly lower your heels below the platform level.
• Repeat for 3 sets of 15-20 repetitions.

Ankle circles improve mobility and flexibility in the ankle joint, which can help alleviate tension in the shin area. This exercise also enhances circulation, promoting faster recovery. Incorporate ankle circles into your daily routine to maintain ankle flexibility and reduce the risk of shin splints.

Steps:

• Sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you.
• Lift one leg slightly off the ground and rotate your ankle in a circular motion.
• Perform 10 circles clockwise and 10 circles anti-clockwise.
• Switch to the other leg and repeat.

The soleus muscle, located beneath the gastrocnemius in the calf, can contribute to shin splint pain if it is tight. Stretching this muscle helps relieve tension and supports the shinbone. The soleus stretch is particularly effective after a workout or run, aiding in muscle recovery and preventing stiffness.

Steps:

• Stand facing a wall with your hands pressed against it.
• Place one foot behind the other, keeping the back knee slightly bent.
• Press the heel of your back foot into the ground while bending your front knee.
• Hold the stretch for 20-30 seconds, then switch legs.
• Repeat 2-3 times on each side.

Using a resistance band to perform dorsiflexion and plantarflexion exercises can strengthen the muscles around the shin and ankle, offering better support and reducing shin splint pain. These resistance band exercises will help build strength and flexibility in the lower leg muscles, essential for preventing shin splints.

Steps:

• Sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you.
• Loop a resistance band around the ball of one foot, holding the ends with your hands.
• Dorsiflexion: Pull your toes towards you against the resistance of the band, hold for 2-3 seconds, then release. Repeat for 3 sets of 15-20 repetitions.
• Plantarflexion: Push your toes away from you against the resistance of the band, hold for 2-3 seconds, then release. Repeat for 3 sets of 15-20 repetitions.