Shin splints are common, especially among athletes and active people. They can be extremely painful, making walking, running, or playing your favorite sports hard. Thankfully, shin splints treatments are available. If you love running, playing sports, or simply staying active, understanding their causes and what symptoms to look out for can help you stay on your feet and avoid serious injury.
Let’s discuss the causes, symptoms, and available treatment options for shin splints.
What Are Shin Splints?
Shin splints, called medial tibial stress syndrome, cause pain along the front of your lower leg, where your shin bone is.
The pain usually happens after you have been running or doing other activities that put stress on your legs.
Main Causes of Shin Splints
Here are some of the common causes of shin splints:
1. Overuse of Muscles
One of the most common causes is overusing your leg muscles. This can happen when you increase the amount or intensity of your exercise too quickly.
Your body needs time to get used to new levels of activity. When you push it too hard, your muscles, tendons, and shinbone can become overworked and painful.
2. Flat Feet or Arches
People with flat feet or very high arches are more likely to get shin splints.
Flat feet can cause your leg muscles to stretch and strain more than usual. High arches can lead to poor shock absorption, making your legs work harder with each step.
Both foot types can make it tough for your legs to support your weight properly.
3. Running on Hard Surfaces
When you run on hard surfaces like asphalt or concrete, you can put extra stress on your shins.
The hard ground does not absorb the impact of your steps, forcing your legs to exert more pressure.
Switching to running on softer surfaces like grass, dirt trails, or an indoor track can help reduce this impact.
4. Worn-out or Improper Shoes
Wearing old or improper shoes can also lead to shin splints. Worn-out shoes do not provide the support and cushioning your feet and legs need.
Improper shoes, ones not designed for your type of activity, can also cause problems.
It is important to wear good quality athletic shoes that fit well and provide enough support for your feet.
Symptoms to Watch for
Here are common symptoms of shin splints to watch out for:
Pain in the Lower Leg
The main symptom of shin splints is pain along the inner part of your shinbone. This pain can feel sharp and piercing or dull and throbbing. The pain worsens during physical activities like running, jumping, or dancing.
Swelling
You might notice some swelling in your lower leg. The area around your shinbone can look puffy or feel warm to the touch.
Tenderness
Your shin might feel tender to touch. Pressing on the sore area can cause discomfort or pain. This tenderness often indicates that your muscles and bones are inflamed from overuse.
Shin Splints Treatment Options
An orthopedist can provide shin splints treatments to fit for your unique case. Here are some options you can try:
Rest and Ice
The first step in shin splints treatment is to rest your legs. Avoid activities that cause pain. Apply ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day to reduce swelling and pain.
Compression and Elevation
Using a compression bandage can help reduce swelling. Elevating your legs when resting can also help decrease the swelling further.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Pain relievers can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. Follow the dosage instructions on the package.
Stretching and Strengthening Exercises
Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can help improve flexibility and build muscle strength.
Focus on stretches for your calves and Achilles tendon, and include exercises that strengthen your leg muscles.
Proper Footwear
Make sure you wear shoes that provide good support and cushioning. Sometimes, custom orthotics or inserts can help provide better support for your feet and legs.
Gradual Return to Activity
Once the pain has gone away, you can slowly return to your normal activities.
Start with low-impact exercises like walking or swimming before gradually increasing the intensity of your workouts.
Physical Therapy
In some cases, your doctor may recommend physical therapy for shin splints treatment.
A physical therapist can create a personalized exercise plan to help you recover and prevent future injuries.
Top-Notch Shin Splints Treatment in North Dakota
Shin splints might seem minor but can become a big problem if ignored. Paying attention to the causes and symptoms can help you catch them early and take steps to prevent them.
Our orthopedic physicians at The Bone & Joint Center are ready to help you with shin pain or other leg injuries. Our board-certified healthcare providers have years of experience in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal problems, including premier shin splints treatments.
To schedule a consultation with one of our providers, call us today at (701) 946-7400 or (866) 900-8650. You can also use our appointment request form.
Let us be your trusted healthcare partners in caring for your legs. We look forward to serving you!
