SHIN SPLINTS / PAIN
What are Shin Splints or Pain?
The term “shin splints” refers to pain along the shin bone (tibia) — the large bone in the front of your lower leg. Shin splints / pain are very common in people who over pronate/have flat feet.
Medically known as medial tibial stress syndrome, shin splints often occur in athletes who have recently intensified or changed their training routines. The increased activity overworks the muscles, tendons and bone tissue.
Symptoms of Shin Splint or Pain
If you have shin splints, you might notice tenderness, soreness or pain along the inner side of your shinbone and mild swelling in your lower leg. At first, the pain might stop when you stop exercising. Eventually, however, the pain can be continuous and might progress to a stress reaction or stress fracture.
Causes for Shin Splint or Pain
Shin splints are caused by repetitive stress on the shinbone and the connective tissues that attach your muscles to the bone. You’re more at risk of shin splints if:
- You’re a runner, especially one beginning a running program
- You suddenly increase the duration, frequency or intensity of exercise
- You run on uneven terrain, such as hills, or hard surfaces, such as concrete
- You’re in military and new too training
- You have flat feet or high arches
- Tight Calf muscles
- Weak hips
When to see a podiatrist?
Shin splints are caused by repetitive stress on the shinbone and the connective tissues that attach your muscles to the bone. Without treatment they can lead to stress fractures. You should contact your podiatrist as soon as possible to help prevent this.
Treatments for Shin Splint or Pain
Shin splints are best solved with:
- Gradually increase into exercise
- Custom Orthotics
- Supportive footwear
- Massage
- Dry needling
- Strength work
- Gait / running retraining
Is the Shin Splint or Pain Treatment covered by Private Health insurances?
Call us to find out whether your shin splints treatment is covered by your private health care provider. There are a few things to consider with your private health fund such as your level of cover, your policy waiting periods, annual limits and fund rules. It is important to know what you are up for prior to your visits to avoid unwanted, expensive surprises.
Learn more about Shin Splits in this short video