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What causes shin splints?
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- Micro-tears in the muscles attached to the front and/or side of the shin bone
- Inflammation of the tissue sheath around the shin bone (periosteum)
- Inflammation of a muscle coming away from the tibia
- High levels of physical activity
- Flat feet and pronation
- Poor (or worn out) footwear
- Largely favouring and overusing one foot over the other during physical activity
- Tight muscles
- Hormonal imbalances in females
- Type of surface on which activity is performed
- Decreased flexibility, especially in the calf muscles
- Low bone mineral density (Vitamin D or calcium deficiency)