Final answer:
Shin splints are caused by the inflammation of the tibialis anterior, not by rupturing of the calcaneal tendon, tearing of the hamstring muscles, or inflammation of the gastrocnemius.
Step-by-step explanation:
Shin splints are typically caused by inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and tissue around the tibia. The most accurate answer to the given question is d. inflammation of the tibialis anterior. The tibialis anterior muscle is located on the front part of the lower leg and plays a significant role in activities such as walking and running. When this muscle and its surrounding structures become overworked, particularly without proper warm-ups or if someone has flat feet, an individual may experience shin splints, characterized by pain along the inner border of the tibia.
Tendinitis is another inflammation-related condition, commonly affecting tendons in various parts of the body depending on the activity. However, tendinitis in the ankle, knee, shoulder, elbow, or other areas does not typically result in shin splints. Other injuries mentioned like muscle strains (such as hamstring muscle strains) and ruptures (such as the calcaneal tendon rupture) are distinctly different from shin splints both in their location and the type of injury.