Have you ever experienced pain in the front lower portion of your leg after trying new activities? This is called Medial tibial stress syndrome, also known as shin splints. It is the overuse of the muscles and tendons that make up the front of the shin and causes inflammation and irritation.
Causes of Shin Splints:
- Change in activity – such as beginning a running program and not properly progressing. Increasing intensity by performing at a faster pace or further distances increase your likelihood of developing
- Type of surface activity is being performed on – hills and uneven surfaces will challenge muscles in the different way than on flat hard surfaces
- Overuse and repetitive activities
- Shoe wear may have an impact as well if worn out or not supportive enough
Pain will generally decrease with rest and ice, but may return with resuming activity.
Physical therapy can be used to help:
- Increase strength and control of lower leg muscles to help support activities
- Decrease tightness and limitations in surrounding joints and muscles
- Instruction on how to progress activity safely to avoid injury in the future
Why should you get therapy now? It is important to get an appointment now to avoid progression of shin splints that could turn into stress fractures and chronic pain.
Shin Splints can cause pain disrupting every day activities. Call 703-450-4300 for more information and to get started with your physical therapy!
By Lindy VanDerBogart, PTA
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