“Roller Shins” is the name given to lumps and swelling on the lateral (outside) aspects of the legs and, at times, on the pretibial or shin area. The name was given because this condition has been seen in those who roller blade. The symptoms are in the same general area as shin splint injury.
They appear to be something serious when actually they are painless and probably represent subcutaneous, periosteal, or fascial irritation from friction. The culprit is a roller blade shoe that is too big. The foot slips in the bed of the shoe while trying to keep the body balanced and moving forward at the same time. The cure is to balance the foot in the right length roller blades.
Other names or similar foot conditions:
- Shin splints
Symptoms:
- Lumps or swollen tissue in the shins
- They may be painful or they may not
Signs to look for:
- These are observable
- The person recreationally or professionally roller blades
Possible Causes:
- Shoe bed of roller blade is too large
- Lack of balance in the shoe bed of the roller blade
Goals:
- Get better length roller blades or use fillers in current roller blades
- Align feet, ankles, knees and hips
- Regular stretching of leg muscles
- Moderate shock on feet and legs while roller blading
How We Help:
Arch Supports:
- BioOrthotic exercising support with a metatarsal lift inside shoes and blades
- Thinner support with metatarsal and longitudinal arch if exercising support too thick for blades
Shoes:
- Attention to right length of roller blade
- Use spacers inside roller blades to fill the space
Activities:
- Cross train with non-weight bearing exercising, such as swimming or bicycling
- Regular stretching program before and after exercise
This information does not constitute a diagnosis of your condition and does not take the place of a doctor’s care. The information has been compiled from sources available to the general public and referenced below. Copyright 2005-2010 Carole Romig
Sources Image: D. Denlinger, A New Foot Health Solution Text: M. Papciak, MD