Final answer:
To reduce the risk of shin splints, stretching before and after activity, taking rest days between running workouts, and wearing supportive running shoes are effective strategies. Respecting pain and resting if you experience discomfort is also important to prevent worsening of injuries.
Step-by-step explanation:
To reduce the risk of shin splints, the best approach is b) Stretch before and after being active. This method includes a proper warm-up followed by stretching exercises that increase blood flow to the muscles and prevent potential tendon damage. Moreover, incorporating c) taking days off between running workouts allows for rest and recovery of the muscles, reducing the likelihood of stress fractures and overuse injuries like shin splints. A variety of exercises and proper technique can also contribute to reducing the risk.
Additionally, wearing appropriate gear such as d) well-cushioned and supportive running shoes plays a crucial role in reducing the stress on feet and legs during impact activities. While wicking away moisture with socks is beneficial for comfort and may prevent blisters, it does not directly contribute as much to the prevention of shin splints as the other methods.
Respecting your body's signals and resting if you experience pain is another important aspect. According to the concept of "respecting pain," if it hurts, it's imperative to stop the activity and let the body recover to avoid exacerbating injuries like shin splints.