Ever feel like your shins are on fire after a run or workout? You’re not alone. Shin splints are one of the most common injuries among athletes, especially runners. In fact, up to 35% of athletes experience this painful condition at some point in their training.
But here’s the thing—shin splints are not something you can push through. Without the right treatment, that persistent pain can sideline you for weeks. Let’s break down what shin splints are, why they happen, and the best ways to treat them effectively.
Shin splints, medically known as medial tibial stress syndrome, are characterized by pain along the inner edge of the shinbone (tibia). The pain is typically caused by overuse, leading to inflammation in the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue in the lower leg.
If you're ramping up your training, running on hard surfaces, or wearing worn-out shoes, you’re more likely to develop shin splints. The pain can range from dull aches to sharp, stabbing sensations, especially when you run or put pressure on your legs.
Ignoring shin splints won’t make them go away. The key is tackling the underlying issues causing the inflammation. Here’s how we treat shin splints in the clinic to get you back on track, pain-free.
Shin splints don’t just happen in isolation. Often, they’re a symptom of larger biomechanical issues. Misalignments in your spine or joints can cause uneven pressure on your legs, leading to overuse and injury. Full spine adjustments help restore proper alignment, while extremity adjustments target areas like your hips, knees, and ankles to make sure everything moves as it should.
By addressing the whole kinetic chain, we reduce the stress on your shins and promote long-term healing.
Manual therapy is crucial for loosening up tight muscles and promoting blood flow to the affected area. Techniques like myofascial release and deep tissue massage focus on relieving tension in the lower leg, reducing inflammation and pain.
By improving circulation, manual therapy speeds up the healing process and provides immediate relief from that tight, achy feeling.
For quicker recovery, we offer Class 4 laser therapy. This non-invasive treatment uses deep-penetrating light to reduce inflammation and promote cellular repair. It’s especially effective for conditions like shin splints where overuse causes irritation and pain. The laser helps accelerate the healing process, so you can get back to your activities faster.
Strengthening weak muscles and improving flexibility are key to preventing shin splints from coming back. Start with calf raises and toe taps to strengthen the muscles around your shins. Stretching exercises for your calves and Achilles tendons can help relieve tightness and prevent future flare-ups.
Doing these regularly builds resilience in your lower legs and ensures your muscles can handle the stress of training.
Your shoes play a huge role in both the development and prevention of shin splints. If your shoes are worn out or don’t provide enough support, you’re asking for trouble. We recommend wearing shoes with proper arch support, or even custom orthotics to better distribute pressure and take the strain off your shins.
With the right treatment plan, most people start feeling better in 2 to 6 weeks. Consistency is key—stretching, strengthening, and manual therapy work together to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Shin splints can be incredibly frustrating, but they’re also treatable. By focusing on full spine and extremity adjustments, manual therapy, Class 4 laser therapy, and strengthening exercises, we address the root cause of the problem, not just the symptoms.
Don’t let shin splints keep you from doing what you love. The sooner you address the issue, the quicker you can get back to running pain-free!
