8 Amazing Stretches for Shin Splints

If you're an athlete or a fitness enthusiast, chances are you're familiar with the discomfort of shin splints. This common issue often surfaces when you've been pushing your limits on the track, the treadmill, or the trail. 

 

At Copper Fit, we understand the challenges of maintaining an active lifestyle, and we're here to provide you with practical advice on managing shin splints. And one vital tool in your recovery arsenal: stretching. 

 

These eight stretches can be a game-changer for your recovery process, helping you maintain your stride and continue to perform at your best.

 

What Are Shin Splints?

Shin splints, medically known as medial tibial stress syndrome, refer to a feeling of tension and discomfort along the inner edge of your shinbone. They often occur in athletes and active individuals who engage in moderate to high-intensity activities, such as running or team sports. 

 

Shin splints usually result from repetitive stress on the shinbone and the connective tissues that attach the muscles to the bone. Common symptoms can include a dull, aching sensation in the front part of the lower leg. 

 

Some people might also experience swelling in the lower leg or notice that their shins are tender or sore to the touch. It's important to know that these symptoms might not be apparent at rest, but they can flare up during or after physical activity.

 

Why Is Stretching Important?

Stretching is vital to any fitness regimen, but its value becomes even more pronounced when addressing shin splints. When you stretch, you're not just warming up your muscles for the workout ahead — you're also supporting your muscles' health, flexibility, range of motion, and resilience.

 

Regular stretching can relieve muscle tension and support blood circulation, both beneficial for those dealing with shin splints. Stretching can enhance your muscles' ability to withstand the demands of intense activities, reducing the likelihood of discomfort in your shins.

 

Moreover, stretching exercises for shin splints specifically target the lower leg muscles. These exercises encourage muscle recovery, support overall leg strength, and help maintain your muscle's capacity to absorb the impact of repetitive activities, such as running or jumping.

 

At Copper Fit, we empower people to take control of their health and fitness journey. By incorporating regular stretching exercises into your routine, you're taking a proactive step to manage shin splints and support your active lifestyle.

 

8 Amazing Stretches for Shin Splints

Integrating certain stretches into your daily routine can offer much-needed relief from the discomfort they can cause.

 

1. Calf and Shin Stretch

This exercise targets the muscles in your lower leg, primarily your calf muscles and, to a lesser extent, your shin muscles. Stand near a wall, extend your arms, and place your hands flat against the wall. 

 

Position one foot a step behind the other. Keep your back leg straight, heel firmly on the ground, and lean towards the wall. You should feel a stretch in the calf and shin of your back leg. Hold this position for about 30 seconds, then switch legs. 

 

This stretch can help manage the discomfort of shin splints by reducing tension in these muscle groups and improving their flexibility.

 

2. Seated Shin Stretch

This stretching exercise helps alleviate tension in the shin and calf muscles. Start by sitting on the floor with your legs extended in front of you. Select one leg and point your toes as far away from you as you can, then flex them towards you. 

 

This movement should create a mild stretch in your shin and calf. Perform this stretch for about 30 seconds, then switch to the other leg. Regularly performing the seated shin stretch can aid in relieving shin splint discomfort by improving the flexibility and strength of the shin and calf muscles.

 

3. Kneeling Shin Stretch

The kneeling shin stretch primarily targets your shin muscles. Begin by kneeling on a soft or padded surface. Point your toes directly behind you, then slowly sit back onto your heels, maintaining an upright posture. 

 

You should feel a stretch along the front of your shins. Hold this position for about 30 seconds, then release. Incorporating the kneeling shin stretches into your routine may aid in managing shin splints by enhancing the flexibility of the shin muscles and reducing muscle tension.

 

4. Toe Curl Stretch

Begin by standing on a flat surface. Place a small towel on the ground in front of you. Using your toes, try to scrunch the towel towards you. This activity stretches and strengthens the muscles in the feet and shins, which can help manage shin splints.

 

5. Standing Toe Raise Stretch

Stand up straight and raise your body onto your toes, holding for a few seconds. Slowly lower back down. Repeat this for a set of 10 to 15 reps. This stretch works the calf muscles and the muscles in the front of your shins, potentially relieving shin splints.

 

6. Seated Calf and Hamstring Stretch

While seated, extend your legs straight out in front of you. Reach forward towards your toes without bending your knees. If you can, lightly pull your feet back towards your body for an added stretch. 

 

This helps to elongate the calf muscles and the hamstrings, which can indirectly alleviate shin discomfort by balancing the muscle strength and flexibility in your lower legs.

 

7. Downward Facing Dog

This yoga pose provides a comprehensive stretch for your whole body but is especially effective for your calves and shins. Start on your hands and knees, then lift your knees off the floor, pushing your heels down towards the ground. 

 

Hold for a few breaths, then relax back to the starting position. This stretch encourages circulation in your lower legs, helping to relieve shin splint discomfort.

 

8. Anterior Tibialis Stretch

Sit on your heels with your knees bent and your toes flexed under. Gradually lean back to increase the stretch along the front of your ankles and shins. 

 

This stretch specifically targets the anterior tibialis muscle, which plays a significant role in shin splints. This stretch can be a helpful addition to your routine if you are managing shin splint discomfort.

 

Remember, consistency is key when it comes to stretching. Integrating these exercises into your daily routine could help manage shin splint discomfort. However, listen to your body; stretching should provide relief, not add discomfort. 

 

Copper Fit is here to support you, whether you're stretching, exercising, or going about your day-to-day activities. We're all about encouraging an active and comfortable lifestyle.

 

When Should I Stretch for Best Results?

Knowing when to stretch can be just as important as knowing how to stretch. For best results, consider incorporating stretching into your routine at these key times:

• Before Exercise: Before you start your workout, it's crucial to warm up your body to prepare your muscles for the physical activity to come. Dynamic stretches, or active movements that gently extend your muscles and joints through their full range of motion, are often recommended during this phase.

• During Exercise: If you're participating in an activity that puts particular stress on your lower legs, like running or hiking, it may be beneficial to pause and stretch midway. This quick break can relieve and help maintain flexibility in your shins and calves.

• After Exercise: Post-workout is the ideal time for static stretching, where you extend a muscle group to its farthest point and then hold the stretch. After your workout, when your muscles are warm and more flexible, these stretches can help reduce muscle tension and promote faster recovery.

• Outside of Exercise: Light stretching can maintain flexibility and help manage discomfort from shin splints, even on rest days. Gentle stretches can be done in the morning after waking up, in the evening before bed, or anytime you feel stiff or tense.

Remember, stretching aims to help you feel better, not push your body beyond its limits. Always listen to your body during these sessions and adjust your routine accordingly. The beauty of stretching is that it can be tailored to your needs. 

 

By adding stretching to your daily routine, and especially before and after your workouts, you're taking proactive steps to maintain your activity levels, manage discomfort, and enjoy your everyday life more comfortably.

 

Copper Fit: A Complementary Partner in Recovery and Wellness

In managing shin discomfort, rest, gentle stretching, and time are indispensable. Incorporating Copper Fit products into your wellness journey can provide additional support, especially during your recovery period. 

 

Our range of compression socks and sleeves can effectively complement your stretching regimen as their snug yet unrestrictive fit — thanks to a proprietary seamless knit design — enables the proper execution of stretches while supporting muscle relaxation and healthy blood circulation. 

 

Our copper-infused materials keep you fresh by reducing odors, while moisture-wicking capabilities contribute to comfort even during intense workout sessions. 

 

For those focusing on recovery, our collection of recovery products can offer the support you’re craving. Our ice compression socks, for instance, leverage cold therapy's soothing power, a well-regarded method to help soothe tension and ease discomfort. 

 

They're ideal for post-workout and rest periods, providing soothing support for your lower legs. When used in tandem with proper stretching or adequate rest, Copper Fit products can significantly support you in managing discomfort and supporting recovery, empowering you to keep moving and enjoy every day to its fullest.

 

Sources:

Shin splints - Symptoms and causes | Mayo Clinic

The importance of stretching | Harvard Health

Odor in textiles: A review of evaluation methods, fabric characteristics, and odor control technologies | Rachel H McQueen, Sara Vaezafshar, 2020