Shin Splints
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Shin splints is a term used to describe pain at the front of the lower leg. There can be a variety of causes. The pain usually settles with rest but recurs with activity.
Possible local causes of pain at the front of the shin
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Inflammation of the periosteum of the tibia (the connective tissue that wraps around the shin bone).
Stress fracture of the tibia. -
Compartment Syndrome (inflammation of the muscles which are then restricted and painfully compressed by the fascia or connective tissue that wraps around the muscle).
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Degeneration or acute inflammation of the tibialis posterior muscle.
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Referred neural pain from your back or peripheral nerves.
Acute treatment of shin splints
- Rest from provocative activity.
- Ice pack intermittently over the first 48 hours of onset and then ice or heat therapy by preference.
- Temporarily change to low impact exercise to maintain cardiovascular fitness without irritating the problem area e.g. swin, cycle or aqua running.
Physiotherapy treatment of shin splints
The key with this condition is to diagnose what the underlying causative factors are, to allow treatment of the acute symptoms and of the causative factor. This will prevent the problem from returning in the future.
Our physiotherapists will diagnose the causative factors by taking a thorough history of the condition from you and undertaking a full biomechanical physical examination.
Some of the possible underlying causes are
- Inadequate footwear (your feet need good support and shock absorption)
- Poor foot biomechanics (e.g. overpronation or poor control)
- Poor lower limb core stability
- Inappropriate change in your training regime.
- Poor core stability
- Excessive or asymmetrical tightness of certain muscles.
Once the underlying cause is diagnosed our physiotherapist will help you by treating the local symptoms, advising on your training regimes and also by creating a rehabilitation programme to correct any underlying biomechanical dysfunction.
Some common physiotherapy treatment methods for shin splints
Soft tissue massage and fascial release
Taping
Orthotics provision through our Podiatrist
Exercise
Stretching and rehabilitation
Ultrasound and Interferential therapy
Acupuncture
Ice and heat.
