“Shin Splints” generally refers to pain anywhere along the shin bone (tibia) between the knee and ankle. The primary cause of shin splints is the overuse of the involved muscle and tendon (Tibialis anterior and posterior). This can happen with an increase in exercise levels, repetitive movements as in running or other stresses to the lower leg including rapidly changing running surfaces.
Another major contributor to shin splints is over pronation or arch flattening. The Tibialis anterior and posterior are the primary muscles that support the arch so flattening of the arch can cause these muscles to become overworked causing them to break down and become painful and inflamed.
Early treatment may include NSAIDs, exercises and stretches, however, pain or reductions in performance for more than a few days can be due to abnormal mechanics which causes associated muscles and tissues to become overworked and damaged. This leads to repetitive injury, making successful resolution without invasive procedures more difficult, unless treated effectively.
Non-surgical treatment may include lower extremity joint manipulation, active release soft tissue therapy or custom orthotics to correct poor foot posture and restore proper foot and lower extremity function.
“Shin Splints” generally refers to pain anywhere along the shin bone (tibia) between the knee and ankle. The primary cause of shin splints is the overuse of the involved muscle and tendon (Tibialis anterior and posterior). This can happen with an increase in exercise levels, repetitive movements as in running or other stresses to the lower leg including rapidly changing running surfaces.
Another major contributor to shin splints is over pronation or arch flattening. The Tibialis anterior and posterior are the primary muscles that support the arch so flattening of the arch can cause these muscles to become overworked causing them to break down and become painful and inflamed.
Early treatment may include NSAIDs, exercises and stretches, however, pain or reductions in performance for more than a few days can be due to abnormal mechanics which causes associated muscles and tissues to become overworked and damaged. This leads to repetitive injury, making successful resolution without invasive procedures more difficult, unless treated effectively.
Non-surgical treatment may include lower extremity joint manipulation, active release soft tissue therapy or custom orthotics to correct poor foot posture and restore proper foot and lower extremity function.
