Shin Splints Treatment in Carrollton, TX
Shin splints, medically known as Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS), is a term used to describe pain along the inner edge of the shinbone (tibia). Shin splints can also refer to pain on the outer or lateral edge of the tibia as well. This condition is common among athletes and individuals engaged in activities that involve repetitive stress on the legs, such as running, dancing, or jumping.
Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome is typically an overuse injury where the fascia in the lower leg that attaches into the periosteum layer of the bone pulls on the bone repetitively. This can eventually lead to a stress reaction or stress fracture of the tibia. The fascia is connected to the soleus muscle of the calf and when the soleus is tight, it will pull on the fascia resulting in pain with enough time and stress.
What Do Shin Splints Feel Like?
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Pain along the inner or outer edge of the shin: The primary symptom is pain felt along the inner part of the shinbone or even outer portion of the shinbone. The pain may be dull and achy (or sharp if it worsens), and it can be aggravated by activities that involve impact or weight-bearing on the legs.
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Tenderness: The area may be tender to the touch.
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Pain during and after exercise: Shin splint pain often occurs during physical activity and may persist after the activity has ceased.
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Bumps or nodules may develop along the bone where there is pain.
Several factors can contribute to the development of shin splints, including:
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Overuse or excessive training: Rapidly increasing the intensity, duration, or frequency of physical activity can strain the muscles and bones in the lower leg.
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Improper footwear: Wearing shoes with inadequate support or worn-out cushioning can contribute to shin splints.
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Biomechanical factors: Issues such as flat feet, overpronation, or high arches can alter the mechanics of the foot and contribute to shin splint development.
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Running on hard surfaces: Training on hard or uneven surfaces can increase the impact on the legs and contribute to shin splints.
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Sudden increase in intensity with training such as an increase in running distance without proper progression.
How can Chiropractic care help Shin Splints/Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome?
Treatment for medial tibial stress syndrome often involves conservative measures, including:
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Chiropractic adjusting of the foot and ankle to improve mobility and reduce pain.
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Soft tissue therapies for the calf and arch to reduce tension of the soleus muscle on the fascia that is pulling on the periosteum of the bone where the pain is.
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Ice: Applying ice to the affected area to reduce inflammation.
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Rehabilitation exercises to improve strength of the arch and calf.
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Stretching exercises: Stretching the calf muscles, arch muscles and the plantar fascia.
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Supportive footwear: Wearing shoes with proper arch support.
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Orthotic devices: Using orthotic inserts to support the foot's arch.