Shin splints is a term to describe pain and swelling in the front of the lower legs. The pain usually appears after and is aggravated by repetitive activities, such as running or walking.
The inflammation in the shin results from the repeated pull of a muscle in the leg from the shin bone (tibia). It is very common for this condition to occur in both legs, but it can also be more painful in one leg vs. the other.
Contributing causes:
- Flat feet
- Calf tightness,
- Improper training techniques,
- Worn-out or improper shoes/sneakers
- Running or walking on uneven surfaces
Should I visit a doctor?
Shin splints may eventually result in a stress fracture of the shin bone (Tibia) if left untreated! However, managing or eliminating the contributing factors, shin splints can be successfully treated!
Treatment
- COLD LASER MACHINE – ask us about how we can reduce inflammation, improve blood circulation and improve your pain and healing without any oral medication.
- Orthotic devices. Custom arch supports control the motion in the foot.
- Shoe modification – we will educate you on the different types of shoes that will be accommodating to your condition.
- Padding methods – ask us about different padding modalities
- Ice. To reduce swelling, apply an ice pack to the inflamed area, placing a thin towel between the ice and the skin. Use ice for 5 minutes and then wait at least 5 minutes before icing again.
- Physical therapy. Physical therapy may include stretching exercises, soft-tissue massage/mobilization, gait and running re-education, a change in training habits!
- Medication. different medications may be recommended to reduce the pain and inflammation.