Taking Care of Shin Splints

You know the feeling—you’re running or walking quickly and you start to get those stabbing pains in the front of your lower leg. Shin splints are a common problem that we see at Southern Maryland Foot & Ankle and many patients think that it is such a minor issue that they may wait longer than they should to come into our Waldorf or Clinton office to get it checked. However, shin splints are a sign that you are overdoing it and if you ignore that sign and persist in doing the activities that are causing the shin splints you could end up with a more serious problem: a stress fracture.

What’s Behind Shin Splints?

Muscle or tendon inflammation is what causes the telltale pain on either side of the leg bone along with the accompanying swelling. This problem can be caused by a muscle imbalance between the groups of muscles in the leg. Shin splints often present when there is an excessive amount of repetitive activity involving the legs and feet, such as running or walking. It can also be aggravated by one or more of the following contributing causes:

• Flatfeet
• Calf tightness
• Running on uneven or hard surfaces
• Worn out running or walking shoes

Treatment

Once our board certified foot and ankle surgeon, Dr. Larry Hotchkiss has conducted a complete history and examination of your feet and legs and has eliminated other possible causes for the symptoms you are experiencing, he will determine a treatment plan for you that may include the following:

• Rest
• Icing and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling
• Stretching before and after activity
• Substituting low impact activities for high impact ones (swimming for basketball, for example)
• Orthotic inserts for your shoes to correct a faulty foot mechanical problem that is causing undue strain on the muscles or tendons

Don’t sabotage your efforts for a healthy lifestyle by increasing your exercise at the expense of your feet. Make an appointment at one of our conveniently located offices today and learn more about fitness and your feet.