Shinny, Shin, Shin.

Shin splints are the nasty little pains one gets in the front of the leg, over the shin bone. Most are associated with running activities, but they are also very common with dancers. Many different causes can be behind this nasty affliction. Hard running surface, poor posture, fallen arches, insufficient warm-up, poor running and walking mechanics and over training. Once you have the pain, the best thing to do is rest the shin muscles. Ice massage, compression (wrapping) and elevation are all helpful starts to healing. The best method for helping is to actually prevent them by developing the anterior shin muscles. Any activity that raises your foot or toes off the ground will exercise the shin muscles. For instance, ride a bike with a foot strap and concentrate on pulling the pedal up to you, rather than pushing it down. If you don't have a bike, try walking around on your heals for 10-15 minutes a few times a week.