Shin splints are a common overuse injury seen in individuals who participate in sports or exercise routines that place a tremendous amount of stress on the lower extremities. Shin splints can cause muscle pain that ranges from mild to severe. While shin splints should be examined by a doctor, receiving adequate amounts of potassium can help decrease shin pain.
Shin Splints
Shin splints -- also known as medial tibial stress syndrome -- occur as the result of vigorous exercise or sports -- such as running, dancing, increasing your training regimen or participating in military training. Repetitive stress placed on your lower legs lead to an inflammation of your muscles, tissues and tendons that cover your tibia -- your shin bone. This can create pain and tenderness along the outer portion of your lower leg. Shin splints are normally treated with rest, ice, compression and inflammatory medications. Your doctor may suggest activity modification or changes in your training regimen. With shin splints, your doctor may recommend participation in low impact exercises such as swimming, riding a stationary bike or using an elliptical machine. Surgery is rarely required for shin splints.
Potassium and Shin Splints
Potassium is a mineral that plays an important role in the functioning of all of your body's cells, organs and tissues. The University of Maryland Medical Center indicates that your muscles rely on potassium to function properly. Without adequate amounts of potassium -- a potassium deficiency -- you can experience pain in any area of your legs including your shins, hamstrings, quadriceps and calf muscles. A proper amount of potassium in your blood stream is important to the functioning of your shins. You can experience too much potassium in your blood as well -- this condition is known as hypokalemia.
Causes of Potassium Deficiencies
If you are experiencing a potassium deficiency, it can be related to a number of causes. Salt is a key component of many foods consumed by Americans. Excessive salt intake can increase your muscles' need for potassium. This can lead to a potassium deficiency. Individuals taking medications -- especially diuretics -- may also find themselves with inadequate supplies of potassium. Potassium deficiencies can also be caused by medical conditions. If you suffer from a malabsorption disorders -- such as Crohn's disease or irritable bowel syndrome, you may also find yourself with a potassium deficiency. In addition to muscle pain, signs of a potassium deficiency can include vomiting, sweating, diarrhea and malnutrition.
Recommended Potassium Intake
Receiving adequate amounts of potassium can help to reduce your risk for developing shin splints. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends adults receive 2,000 mg of potassium on a daily basis -- adults range from children over the age of 10 and up. Potassium can be consumed through a number of different foods. Most Americans receive adequate amounts of potassium by consuming dairy products, vegetables, fruits and fish.
