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Yoga Therapy for Shin Splints

Shin splints are nothing but injuries incurred on the shins. Shin splints are caused by swellings resulting from injuries to tendons and adjoining tissues on the shin. For this reason they are also called "overuse injuries" as they encompass a group of injuries. And since shin splints are most frequently found in athletes or brisk walkers, the term has now become a universal misnomer in sports medicine. The condition can be extremely painful in the frontal region of the entire lower leg.

Shin splints are mostly the result of stress fractures, most often found in athletes because of wanton overuse. When this gives rise to soreness in the tendons and their attachments to bones it can be quite unbearably painful.

Yoga Therapy For Shin Splints

The following package of Yogasanas (poses) and guidelines will help people diagnosed with shin splints. However, the treatment for shin splints is not universal in all conditions, and you should consult your doctor regularly, particularly in cases of enduring shin pain, even before starting the therapy. Try to follow these tips as well.

• Apply ice packs on or around the region for 20 – 25 minutes, thrice a day.
• Consider the use of special footwear.
• Never neglect your doctor’s anti-inflammatory medication.

Yogasanas (Poses)

You need plenty of relaxation in your condition, so the best asana for you would be Shavasana (Corpse pose). In addition, you may do two other poses that will help relieve the pressure on the region. These are Viparita Karani (Legs up the Wall Inverted Pose) and Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand). You may also try this special pose.

• Kneel on all fours.
• Now place your palms between both hands and stretch your left foot out in front of you
• Turn your right leg in with your right knee facing the floor.
• Next, stretch that right leg back, keeping the ball of your foot firmly in the ground till your leg is straightened out as much as you can.
• Now push your left leg forward as much as possible, with your kneecap facing the ceiling.
• See that both your knees and heels remain in line with your hips as you stretch your left leg in front and away from your right leg.
• Drop your pelvis down to the mat as much as you can as this will only help increase the intensity of the stretch.
• Hold the pose for 20 – 30 seconds and gradually increase the length of time.
• Come back to rest carefully and repeat the pose with the position of the legs reversed.

Pranayama (Breathing exercises)

• Kapalabhatti (Skull cleansing)
• Anuloma Viloma (Alternate nostril breathing)

Cautionary note:

Never do breathing exercises sitting cross-legged. Always stretch your legs out in front of you.

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