Shin Splints Pain Treatment
Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome, or as it is more commonly known “shin splints”, is a condition common among runners and athletes that do a lot of jumping in their sport, such as volleyball and basketball players. Shin splints can be a result of too much stress on the shinbones and leg or may occur because of improper footwear or worn out shoes. Flat or high arches of the foot can also give you a higher chance of shin splints. The pain associated with shin splints occurs during or after high demand activity and may worsen as the activity continues. When shin splints are present, it’s important to pinpoint the source and reason for the pain.
Where is my shin pain coming from?
There are a number of factors at play when it comes to identifying the source of your shin splints. Symptoms may be the result of overuse or may possibly occur because of an imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation. In simple terms, if more bone is reabsorbed than created due to high levels of stress and activity along the tibia, a stress fracture will occur. Approximately 35% of active individuals may experience shin splints at some point.
When should I seek treatment for shin splints?
If you experience symptoms of tenderness when touching the skin of your shin, aches during or after activity, or pain along the shin, it’s a good idea to seek treatment before the problem worsens. Identifying the source of the condition is the first step to combatting the symptoms and getting on the right track for a quick recovery.
How can physical therapy help with my shin splints?
Your physical therapist will work with you to identify the cause of your pain, creating a custom program that addresses your unique body and goals. They’ll complete an analysis of your lower limb area to pinpoint the cause of pain and to prevent shin splints from coming back. Though every physical therapy treatment is unique to the individual, your physical therapist’s main goal will be getting you back to the activities you love, stronger and healthier than ever. They may incorporate treatment techniques such as:
• Manual therapy to mobilize calf and achilles stiffness and improve your overall range of motion.
• Video run analysis to understand your running form and identify movement patterns that may be contributing to your pain.
• Custom exercises to strengthen your ankles, feet, hips, core, and lower extremities to protect your body during high-demand activities.
Physical therapists can provide the necessary tools to prevent and/or treat shin splints, allowing you to return to your favorite activities pain-free and better than ever! To learn more about how to prevent shin splints or to eliminate any current discomfort, book a physical therapy assessment today.
Request an Appointment“I can’t speak highly enough of the staff at Therapydia. The physical therapists are dedicated, caring, friendly, and invested in your personal success. I have learned so much during my time here that I can confidently take forward as I return to exercise and sports stronger than ever.”
Our Locations
SE Portland Location:
2808 E Burnside St.
Portland, OR 97214
Phone: (503) 477-4802
Fax: (503) 477-9395
Email: info@therapydiaportland.com
Lake Oswego Location:
4811 Meadows Rd #105
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
Phone: (503) 387-6081
Fax: (503) 908-1518
Email: hello@therapydiaportland.com
Beaverton Location:
3925 SW 153rd Dr #210
Beaverton, OR 97006
Phone: (971) 727-8155
Fax: (971) 727-8179
Email: hello@therapydiabeaverton.com
Pearl Location:
809 NW 11th Ave
Portland, Oregon, 97209
Phone: (971) 703-4524
Fax: (971) 254-8979
Email: hello@therapydiapearl.com
