Shin splints are pain conditions emanating from the front of your lower leg. Perhaps most common among dancers, runners, and people who are dramatically ramping up their physical activity, shin splints cause persistent, throbbing pain along the tibia, the shin bone between the ankle and knee.
Usually resulting from repetitive stress on the bone, muscles, and tendons of the lower leg. Medically called medial tibial stress syndrome, the orthopedic specialists with Doctors United in the Bronx, White Plains, Ardsley, and Yonkers, New York, can help if your condition doesn’t respond to rest and home care.
Any situation that puts the lower legs under stress from impact or overuse can cause shin splints. Say you decided to take up tennis after decades away from the game. Even if your cardio conditioning is adequate, the sudden change to the loads your legs endure might be too much.
Other conditions that can cause shin splint pain include:
Even if you’re conditioned for your activity, increasing the frequency, duration, or intensity of exercise or play can put you at risk of shin splints.
Shin splints present the following symptoms:
Persistent pain or pain that’s severe should be medically evaluated to rule out tibial stress fractures.
When shin pain starts, discontinue the activity that caused it. Overcoming the condition requires a combination of rest, activity modification, and a recovery plan. Consider these pain relief factors to treat mild and moderate cases:
If home care doesn’t improve your symptoms, visit us for an assessment and treatment. To help avoid recurrence of the condition, follow these tips:
Watch for early warning signs of shin splints and avoid playing through pain, which only increases the severity of a shin splint injury.
When symptoms persist, contact Doctors United at our most convenient location. We’ll confirm your condition and take treatment to the next level. Call or click to book with our nearest office today.
