Management and Treatment of Shin Splints

The full name for Shin Splints is “Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome” which is the condition as a syndrome in which stress, over time, has caused an injury (inflammation) to the medial (inside) part of the tibia (lower leg). It is an overuse injury, repetitive activities lead to intolerable stress that develops into pain.  The athlete will first begin to feel pain at the end of the activity.  The pain will slowly get worse and can develop into stress fractures after weeks if not treated properly.

Causes:

● Improper or worn out running shoes

● Improper warm-up and stretching

● Running on different or hard surfaces

● Overtraining

● Biomechanical Disadvantage – Pronation/ Low Arch

● Ignoring pain when it first develops

Treatment:

● Proper warm-up and stretches

● Strengthening exercises for the arch of the foot

● ICE, ICE, ICE!!! By far the best home treatment for shin splints

● Ibuprofen is recommended to help relieve inflammation

● Stationary Bike/ Swimming can be an alternate workout to relieve stress on lower leg and maintain cardiovascular endurance.

● Orthotics may be necessary to correct pronation/ low arch by visiting a Podiatrist

● The last option if all else fails is REST !!

Recommendations:

It is a good idea to purchase a new pair of running shoes for each season, which is approximately every three months.  Also, those shoes should just be used for practices and meets and NOT everyday wear.  New shoes should be broken in slowly by attempting to wear them a little more each day.   When returning to activity after resting, attempt to gradually increase activity each day.  

The number one cause of shin splints is improper and/or worn out running shoes.  All running shoes are different and will lose their shock absorption ability after 300 to 500 miles depending on the type of shoe.  Here are some stores that specialize in fitting each individual for the proper running shoe.

Westchester Road Runner
White Plains, NY

(914) 682-0637

www.westchesterroadrunner.com

If you ever have any questions regarding shin splints, please feel free to call me at 624-3483 or cell # at 222-7913.

Brian Bernasconi, ATC