Proper Treatment of Shin Splints Can Be a Game Changer
REHAB
Kevin Wong
Running, soccer, football, field hockey, lacrosse. These are all high-impact sports that involve running and often result in “shin splints.” What is a shin splint exactly? The term refers to a sensation of pain usually on the lower inside half of the tibia (shinbone), often caused by muscle tears or stress fractures. A number of injuries or diseases can cause the tears/fractures, so it’s important to ensure a proper diagnosis with a thorough history and physical exam.1
While shin splints commonly affect athletes, people who spend long hours of time on their feet also can suffer from them, such as grocery store workers, hairdressers, security guards, nurses, construction workers, etc.2
Causes of Shin Splints
Strength discrepancies may put more stress on the anterior leg than it can handle. The improper biomechanics of the foot and knee or the misalignment of the ankle, hip, or spine may also make the shinbone less shock absorbent than it should be. Overuse and overpronation can make the problem worse, as can muscle weakness, shoes that aren’t supportive, running on hard surfaces, and overtraining.3
The culprit may also be tendonitis, an issue with the lumbar sacral spine, a muscle imbalance, or uneven leg length, all of which require different treatment plans. If the pain doesn’t get better once your patient backs off on exercise and incorporates your recommendations for stretching, ice massage, and ice packs or heat when indicated, then consider X-rays for further analysis (but remember X-rays are often negative and may not reveal subtle boney changes).2"3
Prevention and Treatment
No matter the source of the shin splint, almost all persistent shin problems are foot related.4 Pronated feet and high arches can worsen the condition, and in some cases, cause it.
A chiropractic evaluation of the spine, pelvis, and ankles should look for biomechanical discrepancies that may be contributing to the problem. The following treatment plan can be a game changer:
• Custom-made, three-arch supporting orthotics and the proper footwear are essential.
• Massage and hydrotherapy.
• If shin splints aie chronic, alternate hot and cold therapy applications (10 minutes hot, 10 minutes cold, three times a day).
• Strengthening exercises and stretches.
Sources:
1. Romansky, Nicholas et al. How to triumph over shin pain. Podiatry Today; 2003, Vol. 16, Issue 6, June 2003.
2. Lucarelli, Robert. Treating shin splints—and making sure they don’t come back. To Your Health, Vol. 4, Issue 7, 2010.
3. Charrette, Mark. Treatment options for shin splints. Dynamic Chiropractic, Vol. 1, Issue 2, 2008.
4. Weil, Robert. The Sports Doctor: Prevent shin splints with proper foot mechanics. The Naperville Sun, Oct. 22, 2013.
Dr. Kevin Wong is an expert on foot analysis, walking and standing postures and orthotics. Teaching patients andchiropractors is apassionfor him, and he travels the country speaking about spinal and extremity adjusting.
Dr Wongpracticesfull-timein Orinda, Cal~fornia. Contact Dr. Wong at 925-254-4040 or drkevinwong~ginail.com.
