Shin Splints

Shin splints are one of the most common running injuries. They result from tired or inflexible calf muscles putting too much stress on tendons, which become strained and torn. Overpronation aggravates this problem, as can running on hard surfaces, such as concrete; and running in stiff, poorly fitted running shoes.  Overpronation  or a flattening of the arch causes an increase in stress of the arch, over rotation of the ankle, and a torque or twist of the shin bones, causing the muscles of the lower leg to react.

Beginners are the most susceptible to shinsplints for a variety of reasons, but the most common is that they’re using leg muscles that haven’t been stressed in the same way before. Another common cause of shinsplints among beginners is poor choice of running shoes or running in something other than running shoes. Runners who have started running after long layoffs are also susceptible to shinsplints because they often increase their mileage too quickly.

Symptoms
Symptoms of shin splints include an aching, throbbing or tenderness along the inside of the shin (it can also radiate to the outside) about halfway down or all along the shin, from the ankle to the knee. This discomfort is due to the inflammation of the tendons on the inside of the front of the lower leg. This is basically the definition of shin splints. tendinitis of the lower leg , accompanied with pain in the bottom of the foot due to lack of support and overuse..

Another symptom is pain when you press on the inflamed area. The pain of shinsplints is most severe at the start of a run, but can disappear during a run once the muscles are loosened up (unlike a stress fracture of the shinbone, which will hurt all of the time). With tendinitis, pain will resume after the run .

TREATMENT
Many runners experience mild shin pain, which usually can be tolerated. “If shin splints hit you at the beginning of a season, a certain amount of running through it will help the body adapt, if the pain persists, you should stop, seek treatment.

Ice the inflamed area for 15 minutes 3 times a day,  rub Arnica or Traumeel on the shin after running. To speed up recovery, cut down on running or stop altogether. Exercises with a resistance band will help to strengthen muscles of the lower leg  Typical recovery time is 2-4 weeks.

If the pain does not subside seek Chiropractic treatment.  Ultrasound, Low Volt current, friction massage, stretching/strengthening exercises are commonly use to speed up recovery.  Orthotics are recommended for support and stability of the feet.  Orthotics maintain the normal arch and reduce the stresses on the ankle and shin bones by reducing ground reactive forces.

While recovering from shinsplints, you may want to try alternative, non-impact exercises such as swimming, pool running, walking and cycling in low gear.

PREVENTION

Regular stretching exercises involving the thigh muscles, calves, and bottom of the foot are recommended.  Chiropractic maintenance adjustments maintain neutral biomechanical alignment of the foot, ankle, knee, hip and low back ensuring ligament, tendon, muscle, disc, absorb forces of gravity properly.  Custom made Orthotics maintain proper foot mechanics and help prevent unnecessary stress on the bones of the lower leg.  It is very important to purchase the correct running shoe for your foot.  It is important to determine your heel size, and toe box to avoid cramping or sliding of the foot in shoe. Make sure to bring your Orthotics with you when buying a new pair of running shoes. For more information call  our office for an appointment, 905-898-1230

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