by Taylor Norris, RMT (twhealthhumor.com Co-blogger)
Tibialis Anterior Stretch
The tibialis anterior are lower leg muscles that lie across the upper half of the front and latetal area of the tibias (shin bones). They are responsible for dorsiflexing (lifting up) and invertion actions of the feet. They keep our feet from slapping the the ground after our heels strike the surface we walk or run on, and they also lift our feet so they can clear the ground as our legs swing forward.
They can become aggravated and quite painful with excessive jumping, walking, running, hill climbing and biking. The sort of pain that occurs when the tibialis anterior is upset can seem very similar to the pain of shin splints (bone/connective tissue pain occurring at the tibia itself), and is often misrepresented as such.
This simple stretch will help to relieve the pain associated with either condition. To stretch tibialis anterior, tuck your lower legs up under your backside, keeping your back comfortably upright and hold that position for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
NWHealthFitness 