Shin splints are among the most common running injuries we treat at Chiropractic Pain Solutions, with over 15% of runners complaining of this condition. We have the experience and treatment options to fix your shin splints and get you back to your fitness goals.
This condition has many different forms, primarily due to increased mileage and stress over too short of a period. Sometimes shin splints are just pain on the front portion of your lower leg, known as your tibialis anterior. Other times there can be a periosteal reaction resulting in minor stress fractures, which is why proper therapy is essential.
It is important to understand and evaluate the difference between true stress fractures and anterior tibialis pain syndrome which often times mimics both the symptoms and the onset of stress fractures.
Like most running conditions, this occurs because the calf musculature becomes overly tight and causes strain.
Goals with treatment:
Treating shin splints effectively requires a comprehensive approach that includes soft tissue therapy, biomechanical evaluation, sports rehabilitation, and dry needling. Soft tissue therapy plays a crucial role in alleviating pain and promoting healing by targeting the muscles and fascia surrounding the shin area. Techniques such as massage and myofascial release help reduce muscle tightness, improve blood flow, and decrease inflammation, facilitating a quicker recovery.
A biomechanical evaluation is essential to identify any underlying issues contributing to shin splints, such as improper running form, overpronation, or muscle imbalances. By assessing the patient's movement patterns, a chiropractor or physical therapist can pinpoint specific areas that need correction and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Sports rehabilitation complements these treatments by focusing on strengthening and stretching exercises designed to improve overall lower limb function. This rehabilitation program typically includes exercises to strengthen the calf muscles, improve ankle flexibility, and enhance core stability, ensuring that the patient can return to their sport or activity with a reduced risk of recurrence.
Dry needling is also an effective treatment for shin splints, involving the insertion of fine needles into trigger points and tight muscle areas to relieve pain, reduce muscle tension, and promote healing. By combining these therapeutic approaches, the treatment not only addresses the immediate symptoms of shin splints but also aims to correct the root causes, promoting long-term recovery and preventing future injuries.
