SHIN SPLINTS
Signs of Shin Splints
In addition to a dull, strong ache affecting your lower leg, other symptoms of shin splints include:
- Pain developing during exercise or other physical activity
- Pain on one or both sides of your shin bone (tibia)
- Soreness/tenderness along the inside part of your lower leg
- Mild swelling of your lower leg
- Weakness/numbness/tingling in the foot of the leg suffering shin splints
- A shin that is hot or visibly swollen
- Shin pain even when you are resting
Shin splint pain can last several days or several weeks or become chronic (a condition called Tibial Edge Syndrome or Periostitis, depending on how badly tibial soft tissues are inflamed and pressing against the shin bone. Opting for shin splint treatment with advanced pain relief instead of home remedies is the most effective and quickest method of eliminating painful shin splints.
Risk Factors for Shin Splints
Some people are prone to suffering shin splints. You may have a higher risk for shin splints if you:
- Have stiff arches or flat feet
- Regularly play sports on hard surfaces (tennis, basketball or racquetball)
- Perform high-impact exercises before increasing your endurance abilities
- Have bones weakened by osteoporosis or lower than normal bone density
Shin Splint Treatment with Advanced Pain Relief Clinic
Treatment for shin splints includes massage therapy, physiotherapy and NSAIDS such as ibuprofen or Motrin to reduce inflammation and swelling of connective tissues. For severe cases of shin splints, crutches or shockwave therapy may be recommended in addition to wearing orthotics. Other treatment options involve cold laser therapy treatments that stimulate soft tissue cells into generating warmth and stimulating blood flow to the affected area to promote the natural healing process.
Nearly anyone with shin splints who follows treatment plans managed by their shin splint chiropractor recovers fully from medial tibial stress syndrome. However, if the activity that caused shin splints is resumed before recovery is complete, shin splint pain is likely to return.