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Shin Splints

Shin splints are an inflammation of the muscle attachments along the
tibia (shin bone). They can be extremely painful and often resistant to
treatment. Dr. Hale and Dr. Huppin are experts at treating shin splints
and we have very strict protocol, based on the best evidence in the
medical literature, for treatment of shin splints. Most patients start
to see improvement within a few weeks.
Our goal when treating shin splints is to eliminate your pain as fast as
possible and then prevent the pain from returning.
Shin splints usually do not clear up on their own
so make an appointment today to see us in
our Seattle clinic so that we can get you back to full activity
as soon as possible.
The primary cause of shin splints is excessive rolling in of the foot
(over-pronation). This puts extreme stress on the muscles that run from
the leg and into the foot. It is critical when treating this problem to
decrease the stress on these muscles. Other causes of shin splints are
listed below.
Our treatment plan for shin splints may include:
- Custom orthotics to reduce tension on the muscle causing the
pain. The orthotics will be prescribed to reduce tension on the
muscle causing the problem. Read more about
why our orthotics tend to work better.
- Recommendations on specific shoes
- Special strengthening exercises
- Physical therapy
- If injury does not respond as expected, a bone scan, diagnostic
ultrasound or X-ray may be necessary to check for a stress fracture.
While waiting for your appointment, begin the following treatment
at home:
- Stop running, especially in the case of severe pain, if pain is
mild, then reduce training load and intensity, and avoid downhill
running.
- Take a course (5 - 7 days) of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs(ibuprofen/naproxen)
- Apply ice to the shin area - for 10 minutes every 2 hours, in
order to reduce the inflammation
- Self-massage to the muscle only (along the inside of the shin)
- Stretching of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. Hold for 30
secs. Relax slowly. Repeat to opposite side. Repeat stretch 2 - 3
times per day.
Symptoms of Shin Splints:
- Pain or tenderness along the inside of the shin, usually about halfway
down the shin. Pain and tenderness may extend to the knee
- Pain on palpation of the shin
- Pain is most severe at the start of a run, but may disappear during a
run, as the muscles loosen up. This is different to a stress fracture,
where there is pain during weight bearing activities (walking,
stair-climbing)
Causes:
- Overpronation (feet rotate too far inward on impact)
- Excessive running on hard surfaces such as concrete
- Inflexible calf muscles and tight Achilles tendons - place more stress
on to the muscle attachments
- Incorrect or worn shoes
- Overtraining, or a rapid increase in training load or intensity
- Beginner runners are more susceptible to this problem for a variety of
reasons, but most commonly due to the fact that the leg muscles have not
been stressed in such a way before they started running.
Other Names for Shin Splints:
- Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome
- Tibial Fasciitis
Shin Splint Home Treatment
Self Treatment Hints for Shin Splint Pain
Our goal for treating shin splints is to
- Gentle compression of the involved muscles
- Use arch support and stable shoes to decrease tension on the two
muscles that contribute to shin splint pain
- Decrease inflammation
- Prevent reoccurrence
We suggest you following the instructions below religiously for four
weeks for the best chance at curing your shin splints. Most of our
patients see improvement in shin splint pain with this plan. If you
don’t have improvement in three weeks, see a podiatrist who specializes
in sports medicine.

Cho-Pat Shin Splint Compression Sleeve
- Use an arch support in your shoes. This will act to decrease painful
joint motion by preventing arch collapse. An arch support with a higher
arch and some rigidity will work best. These
OTC arch supports will not
work as well as a quality custom orthotic, but will help. The best one
that we have found for foot arthritis is the
Powerstep Full Length Arch
Support.

Powerstep Full Length Arch
Support
 
Orthoheel Women's and Men's Slipper

Wave Flip-flop Sandal

Orthogel Cold Therapy Roll-on
- Ice the painful areas for 10 minutes each evening.
- Use a stable shoe. Wear this at all times when weight-bearing.
If these home treatment for shin pain do not relieve your shin splints
within 2 weeks, make an appointment to see us in our Seattle foot and
ankle clinic.

All pages on this website © 2005-2010 Douglas Hale, DPM & Lawrence Huppin, DPM Foot and Ankle Center of Washington, Seattle
The material provided on this web site is for informative purposes only. If you need specific medical advice, please contact the office for an appointment.

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