After playing an intense session or maybe several less-intense days in a row, the bone in my lower legs (around the middle or so) starts to get sore (a good way to describe this soreness is it feels like pressing on a skin bruise when I press on the bone). On court, it just makes me feel not wanting to move and retrieve far away shots very much. Is there any ways I can prevent this more? I think I stomp a little too often, or maybe I am missing some warm up, or I should wear some kind of strap or band? This is the only soreness that I get (no problem with knees or feet), and maybe my deltoids if I try to swing too hard... but thats not an issue to me.
Hi Kaita, This sounds maybe like very very mild temporary shin splints. Very normal for someone's who's still growing (if you are). I'm still growing and have gotten these frequently. For someone older though.. probably just another chronic pain due to age... Nothing serious. Best way to aid this is to apply ice to the area (the soreness is caused by slight inflammation after strenuous activity - the tissue is rebuilding itself. Ice helps reduce the inflammation. It's normal in badminton - there are a lot of changes in directions as well as up-and-down jumping movement which can be hard on the lower legs over time). Be sure to actually massage the area with ice; it is better than just leaving the ice there without moving it. Another thing you could try is maybe stretching your shins (static hold stretching)... there are some good illustrations on google. Finally, you could also try massaging with your hands. And of course, if you do actually develop shin splints (or consistently feel pain in the area), something very helpful to ease the pain is by taping the area.. google would be your friend there again. Alternatively; if this is not a BONE problem, it is most likely DOMS - the muscle soreness you get after strenuous physical activity. If the problem becomes more serious however (which I doubt will happen ), there is no better substitute than seeing a doctor... but I doubt this is serious. Make sure you are wearing good footwear and hopefully playing on joint-friendly ground, as visor suggested. Good luck! Hope I've helped, with my "two cents"
Thanks for the replies! I'm 20, play on nothing but proper mats, and I wear badminton shoes. I've looked into the wikipedia article. I guess I sometimes hit the ground too hard when I lunge and cause stress.
