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Injury Prevention
Shin Splints Revisted
Courtesy of MedicineNet.com
I recently treated a patient that had a bad ,case of what turned out to be “Shin Splints“.The mom had tried everything for her son and did everything the coaches told her, rest and ice ,but to no avail. Recently I have revamped my procedure of care and I am finding good results. He is doing very well now total of 8 treatments 2 1/2 weeks and no pain running or walking any longer.Here’s a quick update review of what I think is the best approach to this nagging condition.
So quick here’s a quick review of Shin Splints courtesy of MedicineNet.com
What is a Shin Splint?
Shin splint: An inflammatory condition of the front part of the tibia (the big bone in the lower leg) that results from overuse as, for example, from running too much on hard roads or sidewalks.
Shin splintsare due to injury to the tendon (called the posterior peroneal tendon) and adjacent tissues in the front (anterior) of the lower leg.
The pain from shin splints is usually noticed early in exercise, then lessens, and reappears later in running. Characteristically, the pain is dull at first but with continuing trauma worsens. It may cause the person to stop running. Treatment involves a multifaceted approach of “relative rest.” The aim is to restore the runner to a pain-free state.
Dr.Bill Booker of Capitol Rehab states ”What causes the muscles to become overworked is multi-faceted ,one needs to understand that when you study muscles, remember that form fits function. A short square muscle, like the muscles found on the sole of the foot are designed to provide stability, while a long, slender muscle, like the muscles along the front of the leg are torque produces which generate movement in the lower leg and foot.
Shin Splints are actually the result of an imbalance in the lower leg in which the short, square shaped muscles along the sole of the foot stop providing stability and balance. As a result, the long torque producers of the shin, have to assist with stability and they are not designed to do that”
I also have found that improper firing patterns also is present in most patients with this condition.
So Dr Booker and I both agree ,while rest and ice may be necessary in the first 24-48 hours an effective treatment of shin splints is as follows:
1. Proper assessment and diagnosis of shin splints.
2. Improve joint mobility of the foot to insure that the postural muscles of the foot are functioning properly.
3. Reduce the spasticity (hypertonicity) of the overactive muscles of the shin and calf. This can be done a few ways I do it with Cold Laser and deep muscle activation treatment.
4. Improve firing of the muscles of the foot with a program that includes proper balance (proprioceptive )training on a regular basis and an exercise the patient can do at home to strengthen these muscles. (In addition I apply Applied Kinesiosology techniques and Kinesio-Taping techniques along with my trusty Cold Laser).
I did all of these things in just 2 1/2 short weeks and if the patient continues the easy home exercise program I reccomended he should be just fine and ready for the season come January.
