orthotics

Effective Treatments for Shin Splints

Jul 172011

Shin Splints

Shin splints are also known as medial tibial stress syndrome.

Shin splints is a condition characterized by pain in the lower leg brought on by running or other athletic activity. It can also be caused or exacerbated by ill-fitting or inadequate shoes past their prime. It is an injury that causes inflammation of the muscles in the lower leg including the posterior tibialis, anterior tibialis, and flexor hallicus longus. The muscles are used in ankle plantar flexion—pointing your forefoot downward and is used in deceleration as seen in runners who do a lot of hill work up and down. Athletes who are required to stop and go frequently, such as in soccer or basketball may also have difficulties with shin splints. In severe cases, the pain does not stop following the end of athletic activity. If left untreated, shin splints can prevent involvement in future athletic activity.

Common treatments for this condition are NSAIDs, rest and ice. These treatments are not always ideal. Long term use of anti-inflammatory medication can cause serious health risks. Rest is not always possible during the height of the athletic season, for those who are weekend warriors, work still calls. These treatments will cause a reduction of symptoms, but will do nothing to prevent shin splints from occurring again.

A chiropractic approach allows the patient to treat the shin splints while limiting the use of NSAIDs. In addition, chiropractic approaches can accelerate the healing process, reducing the need for prolonged rest. Shin splints are caused by injury not a disease process, so of course prevention of the initial injury as well as avoidance of recurrence is ideal.

Chiropractic prevention and treatment for shin splints include:

running gait analysis to address any muscular imbalances
manual therapy of the inflamed muscle to speed up the reduction of swelling
ultrasound therapy
kinesio taping
natural topical anti-inflammatory with formulations including arnica, curcumin, boswellia
education about proper fitting shoes

custom-made orthotics to reduce over pronation and shock on impact
icing effected area

Usually with active care, under professional supervision the condition is reduced in a matter of days and under control in weeks. With proper education it is easy to prevent the recurrence of shin splints.

Stretching lower leg muscles such as the Gastrocnemius-Soleus Stretch will help (30secs X 3 sets). Strengthening exercises for the tibialis posterior and tibialis anterior are also helpful. This done by toe walking and heel walking for several minutes each way 2-3 X per day.

Toe Walk

Heel Walk

Heel Pain

Common Conditions 3 Responses »

Jun 072011

A common complaint of patients with plantar fasciitis is heel or arch pain. Plantar fasciitis can cause extreme pain when standing or walking. It is often worse in the mornings or when moving from a seated position or non weight-bearing position. People often think a heel spur is the cause of this type of foot pain, however recent research supports that heel spurs do not cause pain. It is the swelling of the soft band of tissues on the under surface of the heel and the arch that cause pain. This swelling and inflammation is known as plantar fasciitis.

Causes and risk factors included with plantar fasciitis are as follows:

problems with arches
obesity or sudden weight gain
pounding from long distance running particularly on uneven surfaces
tight muscles in the calf
arthritis
wearing high heels or shoes without proper support.

As with all conditions, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Plantar fasciitis is caused and exacerbated by many factors. To minimize your risk of plantar fasciitis try to not walk in bare or stocking feet on hard surfaces. The quality of your foot wear is also important. Choose high quality footwear made of shock absorbing material in the sole of the shoe. Stretch the lower leg and foot musculature using the following two stretches–the Plantar fascia stretch and the gastrocnemius stretch. (Click on the name of the stretch to view a video showing you proper technique.)

If you do have plantar fasciitis, you can reduce your pain with simple and effective treatments. Conservative medicine provides the most effective treatment. Custom made orthotics and better footwear is the first line of defense for both the treatments and prevention of plantar fasciitis. They will help provide adequate support for the musculature of the foot. Chiropractic manipulation of the joints of the foot and ankle can also provide relief for those suffering from heel pain. Other therapies may also be prescribed including myofascial release, therapeutic ultrasound and cryotherapy. NSAIDs can also provide pain relief. I like to accompany use of NSAIDs with a warning that long-term use of NSAIDs can have serious health consequences and should only be used under the supervision of a physician. In addition, you will want to follow the preventative measure outlined above.

One can expect to experience some relief of plantar fasciial pain in as little as one treatment, but often treatment time can vary depending on the severity of the condition, compliance of the patient to home care and therapy regimen, as well as how long an individual has been suffering from pain prior to seeking care. Incidence of recurrence is inversely proportional to the patients compliance to home based preventive measures.