WHAT EXACTLY ARE SHIN SPLINTS, AND HOW DOES CHIROPRACTIC CARE HELP?
Shin splints are pain in the front of the lower leg. They occur on the tibia bone. This condition is common in runners, athletes, and generally anyone who exercises. Shin splints usually happen during or after a change in the intensity of physical activity, such as running more miles or more frequently. Shin splints are not a standard medical diagnosis. The condition may also be called medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), anterior tibial pain or exercise-induced leg pain.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF SHIN SPLINTS?
Not taking time to rest and heal and using the leg muscles too intensely can lead to swelling, inflammation of the tendons or muscles and tissue covering the shin. Symptoms can range from a dull, tight feeling to a sharp pain along the shin. Ouch!
Factors that increase your chances of shin splints:
- Running long distances or on hills or uneven surfaces
- Training incorrectly or too much
- Switching your routine
- Wearing the wrong shoes
- Not warming up properly
- Foot problems
- In addition to excessive training, other conditions can also lead to pain in the shins, such as:
Flat feet
- A very rigid arch of the foot
- Chronic anterior compartment syndrome (when the large muscle on the front of the lower leg becomes too large for the tissue that surrounds it)
- Stress fractures
CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR SHIN SPLINTS
Shin splints will often go away with basic therapy, which involves:
- Rest
- Ice
- Massage
- Rehabilitation exercises
- Stretching
- Kinesio taping
However, if the shin splits don not clear up quickly, your chiropractor will look for other problems that may be contributing to the pain. This includes examining your spine, hips, knees and feet for misalignments.
One problem with the foot that can lead to shin splints is over pronation — or “rolling in” of the foot. This condition causes over-stretching in the shin muscles. If this is the case, your chiropractor may prescribe a foot orthotic for you. This will adjust how your foot strikes the ground.
If you have shin splints, reach out to us!
