Shin-bang

Shin-bang is a general sense of discomfort/pain in the lower anterior portion of the tibia that contacts with the tongue of the boot, especially when pressed against the boot.

Causes of shin-bang

Shin-bang has been variously attributed to the following causes:
*Improperly fitting ski boots
*Boots that are too soft (i.e. boots that flex forward easily)
*Boots that are too hard (i.e. boots that do not flex forward easily)
*Underdeveloped muscular structure in the calf and shin
*Using a stance that is too far back on the skis
*Using a stance that is too far forward on the skis
*Skiing in hard or icy conditions, particularly when the terrain has moguls

Remedies for shin-bang

There are many purported remedies for shin-bang, however there does not seem to be a consensus in the skiing community as to the most effective cure. Some remedies commonly circulated by boot-fitting professionals, avid skiers, and/or medical professionals:
*Boot adjustments to reduce the amount of movement of pressure to the shin area, including:
**The addition of extra materials around the shin area, such as shims, pads, or plates
**Additional straps to tighten the upper-calf of the boot, thus reducing movement throughout the shin area
**Custom-fit ski-boot liners
**Changes to heel height, boot-cant (the lateral orientation of the calf with respect to the base of the boot) or other adjustments to the orientation of the foot within the boot
*RICE - Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation
*Temporary or extended break from skiing activity
*Materials or chemicals added to the shin area to reduce abrasion, such as armor-all, plastic bags, stockings worn under or over ski-socks
*Shaving the hair from the shin and the lower-calf
*Aggressive Skiing for multiple consecutive days

ee also

*Shin splints