Shin splints disrupt athletic training and are very painful. They occur due to an imbalance between the anterior and posterior tibialis muscles. When a person walks, the anterior tibialis is contracting to ease the foot down after the heel strikes. After heel strike, as the foot pronates, posterior tibialis must take over and aid with toe-off. These muscles must coordinate their actions for a smooth gait. If one fires a fraction of a second later than the other, it is essentially "torn" away from the bone in what is called microavulsion. This results in a great deal of pain for days after the injury. Depending on which side the microavulsion occurs on, pain may be felt on the front or back of the shin.
Finding the cause requires astute investigation. Insufficient warm-up or running in sand are just a couple simple causes. More complicated cases may be due to anatomical misalignments of the foot, knees, pelvis, or ankle. (or any combination thereof) Extensive sitting can also compress the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae, making the nerve pathway between them smaller and inhibiting the muscles by pinching the nerve. Basically, the whole kinematic chain from head to toe must be examined in difficult cases.
Acute treatment should include mild massage toward the heart, including ice massage, if severe. Rest is important after a flare-up. Essential Fatty Acids (cod liver oil) should be consumed to help with inflammation. Consistent and regular stretching is not only therapeutic, but preventive when executed prior to a race. I have two favorites that I recommend to patients. First, prop up your foot against a wall, keeping your leg straight, then gently lean forward. A stretch should be felt deep within the calf. Next, put the back of your toes on the floor and gently press the ankle forward. A stretch should be felt in front near the shin.
A good diagnostic examination will include manual muscle testing of each involved muscle, gait inspection, a neurological exam, and visually inspecting the shoes. Chiropractic medicine is particularly suited to address the spinal issues so frequently responsible for the timing problem. Gait evaluation is best when performed by a professional applied kinesiologist for lasting and rapid results. For more information on professional applied kinesiology, contact the International College of Applied Kinesiology.
Once the muscles, spine, and shoes are corrected, proper warm-up should be sufficient in preventing recurrence. If swelling and/or extreme redness occurs, see a medical doctor immediately, as this is a sign of more serious pathology.
Finding the cause requires astute investigation. Insufficient warm-up or running in sand are just a couple simple causes. More complicated cases may be due to anatomical misalignments of the foot, knees, pelvis, or ankle. (or any combination thereof) Extensive sitting can also compress the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae, making the nerve pathway between them smaller and inhibiting the muscles by pinching the nerve. Basically, the whole kinematic chain from head to toe must be examined in difficult cases.
Acute treatment should include mild massage toward the heart, including ice massage, if severe. Rest is important after a flare-up. Essential Fatty Acids (cod liver oil) should be consumed to help with inflammation. Consistent and regular stretching is not only therapeutic, but preventive when executed prior to a race. I have two favorites that I recommend to patients. First, prop up your foot against a wall, keeping your leg straight, then gently lean forward. A stretch should be felt deep within the calf. Next, put the back of your toes on the floor and gently press the ankle forward. A stretch should be felt in front near the shin.
A good diagnostic examination will include manual muscle testing of each involved muscle, gait inspection, a neurological exam, and visually inspecting the shoes. Chiropractic medicine is particularly suited to address the spinal issues so frequently responsible for the timing problem. Gait evaluation is best when performed by a professional applied kinesiologist for lasting and rapid results. For more information on professional applied kinesiology, contact the International College of Applied Kinesiology.
Once the muscles, spine, and shoes are corrected, proper warm-up should be sufficient in preventing recurrence. If swelling and/or extreme redness occurs, see a medical doctor immediately, as this is a sign of more serious pathology.
About the Author:
Charles Leahy is an expert author on sports rehabilitation and training. To find a Glen Ellyn Applied Kinesiologist or for more information on how Professional Applied Kinesiology can help, visit Kinesis Healthcare.
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