In the early stages shin splints can be mild, and most people run through the pain. However, once the condition progresses, pain levels can become quite debilitating and take a long time to settle down. Despite previous thoughts, the pain is a result of small micro-tears in the muscles attaching to the shin bone, rather than the bone itself. If left un-treated, shin splints can turn into stress fractures of the tibia and can result in a significant increase in recovery time. So, what are the common symptoms of shin splints Cairns?

• Diffuse pain along the inside or front border of the shin bone(tibia).
• In the early stages, the pain generally reduces once you warm up during your run.
• In the chronic stages, the pain progresses with activity e.g. slowly increases over the course of a run.
• Shin splints rarely occur with walking and are normally associated with impact activities, e.g. running, jumping, skipping etc

Shin splints can be caused by many factors, and is generally seen in active/sporty individuals, of all ages. Most patients presenting to FNQ Podiatry and Orthotics for shin splints treatment Cairns, share many of the following risk factors:

• Sudden increase or change in activity. E.g. after a month of pre-season running or after going from regularly running 15km/week to 30km with no slow progression.
• Poor footwear.
• Pronating or flat feet.
• Rigid, non-flexible high arched feet.
• Footwear that isn’t suitable for your foot type/activity.
• Tightness through the calf muscles and associated tight ankle joint.
• Poor running style – commonly associated with heavy heel strikes as opposed to light fore-foot running.
• Weight gain – e.g. putting on 5kg in the off season and going back to running too quickly.

A thorough biomechanical assessment including Cairns VALD Strength Testing, will usually be sufficient to diagnose shin splints. Depending on the severity of symptoms, you may/may not be referred for an x-ray, to see if there are any stress fractures or reactions present. For extreme cases, who do not respond to conservative shin splints treatment Cairns, an MRI or bone scan will be utilized, however this is extremely rare.

Our Cairns shin splints treatment options are largely tailored around addressing your individual risk factors. Given this, your initial consultation will involve a thorough foot and lower limb biomechanical assessment, to determine what your contributing factors are. As with most foot problems, early treatment is the best form of shin splints Cairns treatment, as this will help reduce your chances of it turning into a chronic condition. Common shin splints treatment Cairns options include:

• Strapping to help reduce traction of the muscles against the tibia.
• Footwear alterations.
• Regular calf and foot/ankle stretching protocol.
• Strengthening program to address any underlying weaknesses.
• Soft, custom orthotics to help reduce pulling of the muscles against the shin bone.
• Dry needling/massage to help loosen off tight muscles.
• Altered training load to help reduce pressure through the area for the short-term.
• For severe cases of shin splints or if a stress fracture is suspected, a moon boot will be recommended for a minimum of 4-6 weeks to help rest the area. This is often done in conjunction with low intensity pulsed ultrasound to help promote healing in the area.
• Surgical referrals are almost never required for shin splints as they generally respond well to the above conservative treatment options.

The earlier you seek shin splints treatment Cairns, the quicker it will get better. A lot of people think the pain will get better on its own and keep training through the pain. This generally results in a lack of early intervention and symptoms quickly snowball into a chronic issue. Our clinics provide effective Cairns shin splints treatment for a range of patients. So, if you or any of your friends or family are suffering from shin pain, contact our clinic today and we will get you on the road to recovery.