Causes and Treatments of Shin Splints

What are Shin Splints?

Shin splints are in some way a “catch all” term for pain along the front or inside of the shin.  They normally occur in the anterior region of the shin.  At Ballsbridge Physiotherapy Clinic we have many years’ experience of treating many forms of shin injuries, from mild to severe. Our experts will work with you to help you recover and avoid further pain or injury.

What causes Shin Splints?

Lower limb pain associated with shin splints can have a variety of causes, some of which are:

• Over pronation. This occurs when the foot turns or rolls in too much when running or walking, or at a time when it shouldn’t. Too much force can be transferred to the inner side of the foot. This can be seen on shoes which are quite worn in that area. It can cause pain further up the leg as the strain is felt in a type of chain reaction.

• Over supination: This is when the arch in the foot is too high. The foot may roll out during walking/running, or it may fail to roll in a the right time. This makes it difficult for the joints and bones in the foot to absorb shock. Shin splints may occur as a result.

• Inappropriate footwear can have a negative effect on your shins. Your feet are very important and it is vital to support them properly and to wear correct footwear, especially if you are embarking on a course of exercise.

• Overuse or overtraining can result in shin splints. Tiredness can also result in mistakes when training and so increase pressure on the lower leg and increase the risk of shin splints occurring.

• Running on hard or very uneven surfaces

• Poor flexibility

• Lack of warm up & tight muscles.

Shin splint pain  Normally comes from the muscles of the shin, but the shin bone can also be a source of pain.You may have dull aching pain along the front of the lower leg or it may occur on either side of the shin.  It may also be painful to the touch, depending on the nature of the shin splint.

Physiotherapy Treatment for Shin Splints

Some people try to walk or run off the pain, through more exercise. This may not be the correct thing to do.  Check with Ballsbridge Physiotherapy Clinic  to see what the best course of treatment is for you. We will work with you closely to come up with a tailored made plan to reduce inflammation and pain. Whether it is through orthotics, dry needling or specific exercises, we will aim to get you back on your feet, pain free as soon as possible. It is always best to check with experts rather than self-diagnosing or ignoring the problem, which can exacerbate symptoms. With the right help from your physiotherapist you can also reduce the possibility or recurrence of the pain.