Shin Splints

Shin Splints in St. George, Utah, Ely, Nevada, and Caliente, Nevada

You may have shin splints if you have pain along your inner shin, often after running, dancing, or another high-impact activity. Expert podiatrists David Magnesen, DPM, and Quinten Rowley, DPM, FACFAS, at Southwest Foot & Ankle in St. George, Utah, Ely, Nevada, and Caliente, Nevada, can help you choose a treatment and understand prevention strategies so you can reclaim your mobility. Call now to make an appointment or book one online at your convenience for relief from shin splints.

Shin Splints Q & A

What are shin splints?

Shin splints, or medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), refer to pain along your tibia (shin bone) due to overuse. The pain usually affects the inner part of your lower leg and can range from a dull ache to sharp, piercing discomfort. Often, the pain worsens after activity, and you may also experience mild swelling.

What causes shin splints?

Shin splints are most often the result of repetitive stress on your shin. Some common causes include:

Overuse: Excessive running or jumping, especially if you're not used to the activity
Inadequate footwear: Wearing shoes that don’t have proper support or cushioning can contribute to undue stress on your legs
Poor form: Running or walking with poor posture or gait can put extra strain and pressure on your shins

If you suddenly increase your activity level by beginning a new workout routine or overtraining in a sport without building up your endurance, you can suffer the consequences of getting shin splints.

How are shin splints treated?

Your podiatrist assesses the pain in your shin and how it affects your feet and ankles. He’ll work to identify the root cause and customize a plan to address it.

Treatment is multifaceted but straightforward. It focuses on relieving your pain and preventing a new problem from developing. Some of the most effective therapies the team at Southwest Foot & Ankle may prescribe include:

Rest: Give your legs a break from high-impact activities for at least a few days
Ice: Apply ice to the painful area for 20 minutes, several times a day, to reduce inflammation
Elevation: Elevate your legs often to help reduce swelling and inflammation
Stretching: Stretch your calf muscles and Achilles tendon frequently throughout the day
Proper footwear: Get a professional shoe fitting and invest in high-quality shoes that provide excellent support and plenty of cushioning
Multiwave locked system (MLS®) laser therapy: dual-wavelength light energy alleviates pain and minimizes inflammation

Another proven solution for minimizing shin splint pain is custom orthotics, shoe inserts that help distribute your weight evenly and provide arch support.

If you need immediate relief from shin splints, call Southwest Foot & Ankle today or book an appointment online.