Managing Shin Splints in Northwest Houston

Dec 8

Pain that's concentrated on the front of the lower leg is a defining feature of shin splints. This is because the significant bone there, the tibia, has it on the inside edge. This illness can affect anyone physically active, but it is more frequent in runners. Shin splints typically develop during or after increasing the frequency or distance of physical activity, such as jogging.

Doctors or Chiropractors in Northwest Houston do not typically diagnose shin splints. Instead, the illness is sometimes called exercise-induced leg pain, anterior tibial pain, and medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS). MTSS is the most accurate medical term.

In most cases, shin splints is treatable at home with a combination of rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers. However, more severe cases may require physical therapy or even surgery.

Shin splints usually go away on their own with time and proper treatment. However, the underlying causes of the condition, such as flat feet or tight calf muscles, may remain. This means that shin splints could come back if preventive measures are not taken or if physical activity is increased too quickly.

If you have shin splints, you must see a doctor or chiropractor to eliminate other possible causes of your leg pain, such as a stress fracture.

Causes of Shin Splints

Professional and amateur athletes frequently have shin splints, particularly runners, military recruits, and dancers.

The tendons, muscles, or tissue covering the shins may become inflamed or swollen due to overusing the leg muscles without giving them adequate time to rest and recover.

The front of the shin hurts as a result. A dull, tight sensation to a severe ache along the shin are all possible symptoms. Your likelihood of getting shin splints is affected by several things, such as:

Your choice of shoes: Wearing shoes that don't support your feet or provide enough cushioning can contribute to shin splints.
The surface you're exercising on: Running or doing other high-impact activities on hard surfaces, such as concrete, increases the risk of shin splints.
Poor form and technique: If your foot rolls inward too much when you run or walk (a condition called overpronation), it can put extra stress on your shins. Improper stretching before physical activity also might contribute to shin splints.

But if the shin splints won't go away immediately, your chiropractor will search for other issues that might be causing the pain. For example, your spine, hips, knees, and feet should all be checked for alignment issues.

Overpronation, also called "rolling in," of the foot is a one-foot issue that can cause shin splints. The shin muscles are overstretched as a result of this disorder. If so, your chiropractor might advise you to use a foot orthotic. This will change the way your foot lands.

Treatment for Shin Splints

Good thing, shin splints is treatable. However, the underlying causes of the condition, such as flat feet or tight calf muscles, may remain. This means that shin splints could come back if preventive measures are not taken or if physical activity is increased too quickly.

If you're experiencing leg pain, it's important to see a physician to prevent other medical issues related to shin splints.

Your doctor will likely recommend the following:

Rest: Avoid activities that aggravate your shin pain for at least several days.
Ice: Apply ice to your shins for 15-20 minutes daily to reduce pain and swelling.
Over-the-counter pain relievers: Take ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or naproxen (Aleve) to help reduce pain and inflammation.
Stretching and strengthening exercises: A physical therapist can teach you with proper exercises that stretch and strengthen the muscles in your legs and feet to prevent shin splints from coming back.

Worried about shin splints? Call us to learn how we can help!

Your chiropractor may also adjust your foot joints, ankle, knee, SI joint, and low back joints. This can lessen the discomfort of shin splints or stop them from recurring.

Find a chiropractor Northwest Houston who specializes in treating sports-related injuries and conditions if you have shin splints. You can get back to your usual training schedule thanks to this. At Peak Potential Family Chiropractic, we want to help you get back on your feet as soon as possible!

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