Shin Splints
Shin splints are common injury experienced by anyone who participates in every day exercise all the way up to professional athletes. Shin pain or commonly known as shin splints is typically when the bone at the shin micro fractures and the shin becomes inflamed. This causes pain that can be felt anywhere from the knee to above the ankle making activities of daily living painful.
What are Shin Splints?
Shin splints, medically known as Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS), describe pain along the inner edge of the shinbone (tibia) caused by inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue around the tibia. This condition is a common injury in athletes, particularly runners, dancers, and military recruits, resulting from repetitive stress on the shinbone and the connective tissues that attach muscles to the bone.
Causes of Shin Splints
Several factors contribute to the development of shin splints, including:
- Overuse: Repetitive activities like running, particularly on hard surfaces.
- Training Errors: Sudden increases in the duration, frequency, or intensity of training.
- Biomechanical Issues: Flat feet, tight calf muscles, or improper running techniques leading to increased stress on the shinbone.
- Inadequate Footwear: Shoes that lack proper support or cushioning can exacerbate the strain on your shins
- Muscular imbalances: Tight or weak muscles around the lower leg can result in abnormal function and inflammation.
Symptoms of Shin Splints
The primary indicator of shin splints is pain along the front or inner edge of the shinbone. Additional symptoms include:
- Tenderness and swelling along the inner part of the lower leg
- Pain that worsens with exercise and improves with rest
- Mild swelling in the lower leg
- A dull, aching pain that initially appears during or after physical activity, but may progress to be continuous as the condition worsens
Shin Splint Treatments
- We assess your biomechanics and foot alignment through gait analysis and diagnostic imaging modalities, e.g.: x-ray, MRI and 3D laser scanning.
- Ensure activation of your normal biomechanical function.
- Assess if orthotic therapy is necessary to support and prevent further injury.
- Provide stretching and strengthening programs that can be introduced to your daily training schedule.
- Footwear assessment to ensure if there are any changes needed.
- Training modifications may be included to assist your recovery in between exercise training sessions.
Preventing Shin Splints
Prevention is always better than cure. Follow these guidelines to minimize your risk of developing shin splints:
- Gradual Progression: Increase the intensity and duration of your training gradually.
- Proper Footwear: Always wear supportive shoes suitable for your activity.
- Cross-Training: Mix up your exercise routines with low-impact activities like swimming or cycling.
- Strength and Flexibility: Maintain strength and flexibility in your leg muscles with regular stretching and strengthening exercises.
When to see a Podiatrist
If you experience persistent shin pain, it’s essential to consult with a podiatrist. Early intervention can prevent complications such as stress fractures and chronic pain. At Elite Foot Care, our podiatrists will perform an accurate diagnosis and design a custom treatment plan to get you back to doing what you love.
Call our friendly reception team on 07 5328 3588 to schedule an appointment or book online.
Our Podiatrists
Our team of Sunshine Coast Podiatrists have decades of experience treating all hip, knee, leg, ankle, foot and heel pain as well as a range of skin and nail conditions including ingrown toenails, fungal nail infections, warts and more.
They share a passion for helping the community stay strong and active, helping them achieve their ultimate health outcomes.
Their experience combined with the best treatment technologies available, allow us to achieve the best outcomes for our community.
Benefits of a personalised treatment plan
Reduced Pain
Using the worlds best treatment technology and methods, we can accelerate your recovery to achieve your ultimate health outcome sooner.
Increased Strength
With a prescribed exercise rehab program, your surrounding muscles will strengthen and take the load off your affected tissue. The result is lasting pain relief.
Become More Active
Working with your Podiatrist to complete your personalised treatment plan, you'll be able to do more of the things you love with friends and family.
How it works
1. Schedule an Appointment
Book online or call one of our friendly reception staff on 07 5328 3588 to find a time that suits you.
2. We Handle the Details
Our experienced Podiatrists will diagnose, create a custom treatment plan and treat in the very first session.
3. Be More Active With Less Pain
Spend more time with your family and friends being active and doing the things you love.
What you'll get...
Experienced Podiatrists
Our Podiatrists have decades of experience treating an array of conditions.
Comprehensive Consultations
Our Podiatrists will leave no stone unturned in finding the root cause of your issue.
Personalised Treatment Plans
Our Podiatrists will create a truly custom treatment plan to achieve your ideal outcomes.
Communication
Our Podiatrists will clearly explain your condition, providing insight into its nature and treatment options.
Best Treatment Technology
We utilise state-of-the-art treatment technologies including: Shockwave Therapy, 3D Laser Scanners, Lunula Fungal Nail Laser to provide our patients with the best possible care.
On-site Manufacturing
Our on-site orthotics manufacturing lab allows us to do same or next day orthotic dispenses.