|
Shin Splints Most runners are familiar with shin splints--the pain and tenderness that occurs in the front of the lower legs that can be slow to heal. However, you don’t have to be a runner to have shin splits. Tibial shin splints are very common and affect both recreational and trained athletes. The pain in the lower leg is caused by an overload on the shin bone and connective tissues. Shin splints may also cause mild swelling. Athletes that engage in a lot of running or jumping are as risk for shin splints. You can also overload your shin bone by training too hard, too long or using improper training techniques. What is the treatment for shin splits? The number one recommendation is rest. Although you do not have to give up your favorite sport, it is a good idea to switch to a lower impact sport such as swimming while your shin splints are healing. Other shin splint treatments may include applying ice and OTC pain relievers in the early stages. A podiatrist can help treat your shin splits by determining the cause of them. It should be noted that shin splits are not a diagnosis but a description of symptoms that could be from several causes such as problems of the muscle, bone or the attachment of muscle to the bone. Therefore, it is important to visit your podiatrist for an examination. In addition, if your pain is persistent and does not respond to rest, you should see a podiatrist or other healthcare provider. Dr. Sadrieh and BeverlyHillsFootSurgery.com has podiatry offices in the following convenient locations: Beverly Hills, Encino, Thousand Oaks, Valencia, Pasadena, Long Beach and Oxnard. | Foot Surgery Information: |