Shin splints are no fun, especially for active kids. Whether your child loves running, dancing, or playing sports, shin splints can put a damper on their fun and their health.
If you’re a parent looking to understand how pediatric physical therapists near you can treat shin splints, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog, we will uncover the ways a physical therapy specialist can help your child bounce back quickly and safely.
What Are Shin Splints?
Shin splints, or medial tibial stress syndrome, is a common injury in kids who are active. It typically causes pain along the front of the lower legs. This pain often comes from too much running or jumping on hard surfaces.
Symptoms of Shin Splints
Your child may complain about pain in their lower legs. The pain might be sharp or dull and usually gets worse during exercise. They might also have swelling or tenderness along the shin.
Causes of Shin Splints
Shin splints often develop because of overuse. If your child suddenly increases their activity level, like running more miles or jumping higher, it can cause shin splints.
Wearing worn-out shoes or running on hard surfaces can also lead to this injury.
Who Can Get Shin Splints?
Any active person can get shin splints. It’s common in kids who play sports like soccer, basketball, or track. Even dance and gymnastics can lead to shin splints if the child doesn’t gradually increase the intensity of their participation in the activity.
Understanding Pediatric Physical Therapy
Pediatric physical therapists are experts in dealing with issues related to children’s muscles and bones. They know how to make kids feel better without causing more pain. These therapists use special techniques tailored to children for the best results.
They don’t just treat the symptoms but also address the root cause. This helps prevent future injuries.
How Can Pediatric Physical Therapists Help
Initial Assessment
The first step in treating shin splints is a thorough assessment. The pediatric physical therapist will look at your child’s legs and ask about their activities. This helps them understand what might be causing the pain.
Checking the Range of Motion
The therapist will check how well your child can move their ankles and knees. Limited mobility might be contributing to the shin splints.
Evaluating Muscle Strength
Strong muscles can help prevent and treat shin splints. The therapist will check how strong your child’s leg muscles are during the assessment. Weak muscles might need strengthening exercises.
Gait Analysis
The way your child walks or runs can affect their legs. The therapist will watch your child walk to see if there are any problems with their gait.
Fixing all these issues can help treat and prevent shin splints.
Creating a Treatment Plan
After the assessment, the therapist will create a shin splint treatment plan tailored to your child’s specific needs. It will include exercises and activities that are safe and effective.
Stretching Exercises
Stretching is crucial for treating shin splints. The therapist will show your child how to stretch their legs properly to help reduce pain and prevent future injuries.
Strengthening Exercises
Strengthening exercises are also important – these exercises focus on building the muscles in the legs. Stronger muscles can handle more activity without getting injured.
Flexibility Training
Flexibility is key to preventing shin splints. The therapist will teach your child how to improve their flexibility. This will make it easier for them to move without pain.
Hands-On Techniques
Pediatric physical therapists often use their hands to administer certain physical therapy techniques for shin splint treatment. These hands-on techniques can relieve pain and improve movement.
Massage Therapy
Massage can help reduce pain and swelling of the shin splint. The therapist will use gentle massage techniques to relax the muscles in your child’s legs.
Manual Stretching
The therapist might also use manual stretching for shin splint treatment. This involves gently moving your child’s legs to stretch the muscles. It helps improve flexibility and reduce pain.
Joint Mobilization
If your child has stiff joints, the therapist might suggest joint mobilization. This technique helps improve the movement of the joints. It can make it easier for your child to walk or run without pain.
Using Technology in Therapy
Technology can make physical therapy more effective for shin splint treatment. Pediatric physical therapists can use many tools to help treat shin splints.
Ultrasound Therapy
Ultrasound therapy uses sound waves to reduce pain and swelling of the shin splint. It can help speed up the healing process. The therapist will apply a special gel to your child’s legs and use a small device to deliver the sound waves.
Electric Stimulation
Electric stimulation can help reduce pain and improve muscle function. The therapist will use small patches that send electric pulses to your child’s muscles. This helps them recover faster.
Education and Prevention
Preventing shin splints is crucial, and pediatric physical therapists help by educating kids and parents. Key prevention strategies include wearing proper footwear with good support, adopting safe training practices that emphasize gradual activity increase, and teaching kids to listen to their bodies to recognize early signs of shin splints.
Monitoring Progress
Regular check-ins and follow-up appointments are essential for monitoring recovery and adjusting the treatment plan as needed. Therapists assess progress, potentially adding new exercises or techniques to ensure optimal care.
Long-term monitoring, including periodic check-ups, is crucial to prevent the return of shin splints.
Shin Splint Treatment in North Dakota
If your child is experiencing the discomfort of shin splints, don’t wait any longer. At the Bone & Joint Center, our dedicated pediatric physical therapists are here to provide expert care and support tailored specifically for young athletes. We will not only address your child’s unique needs but also guide them through recovery and help prevent future injuries.
To learn more about shin splint treatment or make an appointment, call today at (800) 424-2663 or fill out our easy-to-use appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
