Shin splints can be a painful athletic injury brought on by strenuous physical activity that involves your legs, including running, jogging, or jumping. Physical therapy methodology can be used to help alleviate pain symptoms associated with shin splints. Therapy can also introduce you to the proper form for running, jogging, or jumping to help prevent a recurrence of shin splints in the future.
Causes and Factors
Shin splints can stem from a variety of contributing factors. For example, weak anterior shin muscles or tightness in your posterior leg muscles can cause you to overcompensate when you run or jump, thus contributing to the onset of the condition. Fallen arches, or a flattening of your feet, can also contribute to shin splints. Otherwise, most shin splint cases are caused by poor training form or improper footwear.
Rest
The most common and effective form of treatment for shin splints is rest. It is most helpful to stop the activity that caused the onset of your shin splints and to allow your muscles to rest before once again returning to your normal athletic functioning. Anti-inflammatory medication can also be taken during this time to help alleviate pain associated with swelling around your shins.
Orthotics
Your physical therapist may also recommend the use of orthotics for your shoes in an effort to help alleviate symptoms associated with shin splints. Orthotics can be highly effective in the treatment of many lower-extremity physical disorders, especially if your shin splints are a result of fallen arches or poorly fitted shoes. Specialists can fabricate customized orthotics to match the shape and size of your foot as well as the model of your shoes.
Modalities
Physical therapy will also include the use of numerous modalities applied to your shins aimed at alleviating pain and swelling. For example, ultrasound, electronic stimulation, and massage can be used in the treatment of shin splints for this purpose. Physical therapists can teach you how to properly stretch and strengthen your muscles while also teaching you the correct postures and form to improve your running style.
