Shin Splints

Specialized care to get athletes back on track.

Overview

Shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), refer to pain along the shin bone (tibia), typically on the inner part of the lower leg. This condition is common among athletes, especially those who participate in running, basketball, or other high-impact sports. Shin splints are often caused by repetitive stress on the tibia and the surrounding muscles, tendons, and bone tissue.

While shin splints are usually not a serious injury, they can be painful and limit athletic performance. Chiropractic care can help by addressing misalignments, muscle imbalances, and other factors contributing to shin splints, promoting faster healing, and reducing the risk of recurrence.

Understanding Shin Splints

Shin splints occur when the muscles and tendons around the tibia become overworked or overstretched, leading to inflammation and pain. It is typically caused by overuse or improper biomechanics, and athletes are particularly prone to it when they increase their activity intensity too quickly or have improper footwear.

Some common causes of shin splints include:

Overuse and Repetitive Activity: Activities like running, dancing, and jumping can create repetitive stress on the shin area.
Improper Training Techniques: A sudden increase in intensity, frequency, or duration of activity can strain the muscles and tendons in the lower leg.
Flat Feet or Overpronation: Those with flat feet or overpronation may experience an abnormal gait that increases stress on the shins.
Weak or Imbalanced Muscles: Weakness in the muscles of the lower legs, or muscle imbalances between the front and back of the legs, can lead to shin splints.
Hard Running Surfaces: Running on hard or uneven surfaces can increase the stress placed on the lower legs, contributing to shin splints.

Common Causes of Shin Splints

Increased Training Intensity: Overdoing it with exercise or increasing intensity too quickly can lead to shin splints.
Improper Footwear: Shoes that lack proper support or have worn-out soles can contribute to abnormal stress on the lower leg.
Poor Running Form: Bad biomechanics, such as overstriding or improper posture, can place undue pressure on the shins.
Tight Muscles: Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendons can increase the risk of shin splints by altering the movement pattern and increasing strain on the shin area.
Hard or Uneven Surfaces: Running on concrete or uneven terrain can cause more impact on the shins, resulting in pain and discomfort.

Symptoms of Shin Splints

Shin splints typically cause pain along the inner part of the shin bone, and other symptoms may include:

Tenderness or soreness along the inside of the tibia.
Swelling or mild inflammation around the shin.
Pain that worsens with physical activity, particularly running, jumping, or walking.
Pain that improves with rest but returns with activity.
A dull ache or sharp pain during exercise or activity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shin Splints

1. How long does it take to heal from shin splints? The healing process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the severity of the condition. With proper chiropractic care, most people begin to feel relief within a couple of weeks, but more severe cases may take longer.

2. Can I continue to exercise with shin splints? While it’s important to rest the affected area, low-impact activities like swimming or cycling can help you maintain your fitness while reducing stress on the shins. A chiropractor can guide you on safe activities during recovery.

3. How can I prevent shin splints in the future? Preventing shin splints involves gradual training increases, proper footwear, stretching, strengthening exercises, and paying attention to your running form. Chiropractic care can help optimize your body’s alignment and movement patterns to reduce the risk.

4. Are shin splints a sign of a more serious injury? In most cases, shin splints are not a serious injury. However, if left untreated, they can lead to more serious conditions like stress fractures. It’s important to seek care to avoid further complications.

How B2BChiropractor Can Help with Shin Splints

At B2BChiropractor, we use a comprehensive approach to treat shin splints and prevent their recurrence:

Chiropractic Adjustments: Ensuring proper alignment of the lower body and addressing any imbalances in the hips, knees, and feet that may contribute to shin splints.
Manual Therapy: Targeting tight muscles in the calves, shins, and feet to alleviate pain and promote flexibility.
Shockwave Therapy: Stimulating the healing process by enhancing circulation and reducing inflammation in the shin area.
Kinesiology Taping: Applying supportive taping to reduce strain on the shin and promote healing while still allowing movement.
Strengthening Exercises: Focusing on building strength in the muscles of the lower legs, particularly the calves and tibialis anterior, to reduce strain on the shin area.
Foot Orthotics: Custom orthotics may be recommended to correct imbalances in foot mechanics and alleviate stress on the shins.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Shin Splints

Pain relief and reduced inflammation in the shin area.
Improved alignment and posture, reducing the strain on the lower legs.
Strengthening of muscles to prevent future injuries.
Faster recovery and enhanced healing through non-invasive therapies.
Customized care that addresses the underlying causes of shin splints.

Find Relief from Shin Splints with Chiropractic Care

If you’re struggling with shin splints, chiropractic care offers a natural and effective way to manage and treat the condition. At B2BChiropractor, we’ll work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that promotes healing and prevents future flare-ups.