What are Shin Splints?
A common injury seen in the clinic are shin splints. This is an injury to the periosteum, the highly vascularized covering of the bone, that occurs with repetitive weight bearing physical activity. The pain is located on the inside portion of the tibia (shinbone).
Causes of Shin Splints
Typically, this injury develops when a person performs a vigorous and repetitive activity (ei running). They are more likely to develop if a person has a sudden change in frequency and or intensity in training. Other factors that can impact the development of shin splints are having flat feet or excessive high arches and exercising in improper or worn-out shoes.
Shin Splint Symptoms
Common symptoms are sharp pain on the medial tibia with mild swelling along the bone. Pain increases when touched at the sore spot.
Differential Diagnoses of Shin Splints
Other injuries that can present like shin splints are stress fractures, tendinitis, and chronic exertional compartment syndrome.
Conservative Treatment of Shin Splints
- Rest: Take 3-4 weeks off the activity that brought upon the pain. It is okay to perform low impact exercises as a substitute to stay active like swimming or biking.
- NSAIDs: Take ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen to decrease swelling.
- Compression: Placing a flexible brace will help decrease any swelling.
- Physical Therapy: Learn proper stretching and strengthening exercises to help improve symptoms.
- Orthotics: Get proper orthotics to accommodate the foot type you have. They will help to align the ankle and help decrease the stress going through the tibia.
Return to Activity after Shin Splints
It is important that pain has resolved for at least 2 weeks before going back to the activity that provoked the pain. When going back to the activity, gradually increase intensity. The activity should be less frequent and for a shorter period of time from before. Make sure to properly warm up and stretch. If pain starts again immediately stop activity, ice, and rest it for 1-2 days.
How to Prevent Shin Splints
Wear the proper shoes for your activity, slowly increase your fitness, and cross train.
See a Physical Therapist in New York for Shin Splints
If you’re suffering from pain caused by shin splints, physical therapy can help. Book an appointment with one of our New York physical therapists here.
