One of the most common complaints runners have, especially new runners, is shin splints. Are you frustrated that every time you try to get in shape or turn it up a notch, your lower leg gets tight and painful? The good news is that shin splint rehabilitation can put these worries behind you!
At Sterling Physical Therapy & Wellness, our team of physical therapists can help figure out what is causing your pain and help design a program to resolve it and prevent it from returning. Our goal is to help you get back to running pain-free in as short a time as possible!
Our physical therapists understand that “runners gotta run,” so we provide clear guidelines for resolving your pain, safely returning to running again, and how to prevent future injuries.
Request an appointment with one of our specialists and let us help you get back to doing what you love!
What Exactly Are Shin Splints and How Do They Start?
Shin splints, medically known as medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), are a common condition associated with starting a new exercise program or increasing an existing program. Runners, in particular, are particularly susceptible to shin splints, and it’s considered one of the most common overuse injuries sustained by runners.
Shin splints typically start as pain along the inner aspect of the tibia (shin bone), triggered by too much stress on the shinbone and/or too much stress on the muscles.
Shin splints typically occur in runners who recently intensified or changed their training routines too rapidly. It is also common when runners that have not run for a long time start running again, and runners with a previous history of shin splints.
Despite how common shin splints are, the exact cause can be confusing. It appears that rather than a single reason, medial tibial stress syndrome is multifactorial, with passive range of motion, muscle strength, pressure distributions at foot contact, and how the lower extremity joints react and respond to the forces of running.
Certain risk factors heighten the likelihood of experiencing shin splints, including:
- Hip weakness
- Being a female runner
- Having a higher body mass index
- Greater ranges of hip motion
- Excessive pronation
One of the most common risk factors is having a previous history of shin splints. Factors like the amount of pressure/force at foot contact and the inability to control the pelvis at foot strike all seem to contribute to why shin splints develop.
Unfortunately, runners tend to ignore the early signs of strain and end up with a more severe case of pain. Seeking shin splint rehabilitation from our team can make all the difference between relief and more pain!
Shin Splint Rehabilitation at Sterling Physical Therapy & Wellness
Our physical therapists start with a thorough evaluation that includes a range of motion, strength, and movement analysis to identify the possible reasons for your symptoms. We will also ask about your previous injuries, current training, and future goals. All of this information will help determine your individualized program.
Our shin splint rehabilitation programs include targeted manual techniques and taping or inserts for pain relief and to improve tissue tolerance to activity. In addition, we will teach you stretching/ mobility work, strengthening, and any appropriate modification to your body mechanics or running technique to ensure that you recover as quickly as possible.
Next, we will focus on progressing your strength and dynamic exercises like balance and coordination work to ensure your foot strikes the ground correctly and can tolerate the forces that running demands. Finally, we will incorporate a “return to run” protocol to assist you in a safe return to training and pain-free running!
Book Your Appointment Today!
Our team of physical therapists will provide the foundation for successful training while reducing future injuries. Call today to set up an assessment and get the tools you need to get back to running!
