Shin splints are a common sports injury, occurring at rates of 4-19% in athletic populations and 4-35% in military populations. Individuals suffering from shin splints should seek treatment as soon as possible. Keep reading for a description of what shin splints are, the symptoms, and what you can do to treat the injury. For those looking for physical therapy in Dundalk to treat their shin splints, Comprehensive Spine & Sports Center in Essex is a top choice.
What are Shin Splints?
Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome, more commonly known as “shin splints,” is pain down the front of lower legs. Shin splints are common in military recruits, dancers, and runners. Typically, shin splints occur when athletes intensify or change their training routines or when individuals repetitively induce stress on their tibial bone from running and jumping.
What are the Symptoms of Shin Splints?
The most common symptom of shin splints is soreness, tenderness, or pain along the inner side of the shinbone. Some individuals may also experience swelling in their lower legs. The pain usually goes away when the individual stops exercises but, eventually, it could be constant.
Treatment for Shin Splints
If you suspect you have shin splints, don’t wait to treat them. If left untreated for too long, shin splints can progress to a stress reaction or a stress fracture. You will want to consult with a physical therapist to verify that you have shin splints and establish a treatment plan. A physical therapist helps with the pain and symptoms associated with shin splints.
They will develop a personalized treatment plan and guide you through exercises to help relieve pain. Some of the exercises your physical therapist recommends may include toe walking and heel walking, bent knee ankle dorsiflexion and calf stretches, and straight knee calf wall stretches.
Additionally, a physical therapist can examine your running style and offer suggestions to help reduce the chances of you getting shin splints again in the future. A 2019 study found that “kinematics” (how runners place their feet when running) can play a large role in both the prevention and rehabilitation from shin splints.
For those looking for physical therapy in Dundalk, the team at Comprehensive Spine & Sports Center has significant experience in working with patients that are suffering from shin splints.
Physical Therapy in Dundalk: Comprehensive Spine & Sports Center
If you need physical therapy in Dundalk, visit us at Comprehensive Spine and Sports Center in nearby Essex. Our team identifies sports injuries, prescribes full treatment plans, and tracks your progress to recovery. Aquatic therapy is also a form of therapy used at the Comprehensive Spine & Sports Center. Contact us today.
