Athlete Interview: Tejas Nandi
Introduction:
Shin splints, known medically as medial tibial stress syndrome, are a common side effect of excessive running and can severely affect an individual. Caused by immense and constant pressure in the shin area, these injuries are capable of severely hindering an athlete’s progression. In this article, Arcadia High School sprinter, Tejas Nandi, will be elaborating on his experiences with shin splints, the toll it took on him, and some advice he has for other athletes going through the same experiences as him.
Interview:
1. Could you share your experience with shin splints and how they initially affected your training or performance?
Answer: “I first got shin splints after a couple of weeks of participating in my school's track team. Initially, what I did to cope with the pain was nothing, as it would usually subside after half an hour. The splints had a change in my performance as the pain at some times was hard to bear especially when physical touch was inflicted on the area.”
2. What strategies or changes did you implement in your routine to manage or prevent shin splints from recurring?
Answer: “Further along the line I was talking to one of my friends about the issue and he said he also experienced the same problem. His solution was to get shin tape, which he said negates much of the physical harm of the shin splints. The following week I got shin tape online, put it on my shins, and tested it to find out the results. I concluded that the shin splint tape really helps and I am still wearing it to this day.”
3. How did the presence of shin splints impact your mental approach to training and competition, and how did you overcome these challenges?
Answer: “The presence of shin splints made me question if the pain would ever get better and made me doubt myself. Ever since I sought out help from my peers, my mental process has been clearer than ever and I am striving to improve each and every day.”
4. For athletes experiencing similar issues, what advice or tips would you offer to help them prevent or recover from shin splints effectively?
Answer: “My biggest piece of advice to other athletes experiencing similar issues would be to get shin splint tape as that is what worked for me. I have also talked to my medical doctor about other possible treatments and they said to wrap ice around the area. It is important not to be limited by the physical implications that are brought down on us and I hope I helped anyone who is going through this irritating and frustrating occurrence.”
Conclusion:
Through consistent utilization of shin splint tape and ice packs on the affected area, Tejas has successfully returned to peak performance. He has set his sights on participating in sprint events during the forthcoming outdoor track season, intending to compete in both the 100 and 200-meter dashes.