What are shin-splints and what is the best initial treatment for this condition?
By Dale Brink, D.P.M., F.A.C.F.A.S.
A shin-splint is the most common cause of exercise-induced leg pain encountered by athletes of all levels. It is an inflammatory reaction involving the connective tissue of the leg as its insertion into the inside or front aspect of the leg bone (tibia).
Treatment for shin-splints can vary depending on the location, duration, and severity of the problem. Listed below is a comprehensive four stage initial treatment program that has met with excellent success at our sports medicine center.
PHASE 1 – Acute Phase:
· Decrease pain and inflammation
· Rest
· “ICE” (ice; compression; elevation)
PHASE 2 – Rehabilitation Phase:
· Further decrease pain and inflammation
· Increase flexibility of injured tissue by stretching
· Strengthen bone and surrounding tissue through therapeutic exercises
PHASE 3 – Functional Phase:
· Functionally strengthen bone through therapeutic exercises, and by using the trampoline,
By Dale Brink, D.P.M., F.A.C.F.A.S.
A shin-splint is the most common cause of exercise-induced leg pain encountered by athletes of all levels. It is an inflammatory reaction involving the connective tissue of the leg as its insertion into the inside or front aspect of the leg bone (tibia).
Treatment for shin-splints can vary depending on the location, duration, and severity of the problem. Listed below is a comprehensive four stage initial treatment program that has met with excellent success at our sports medicine center.
PHASE 1 – Acute Phase:
· Decrease pain and inflammation
· Rest
· “ICE” (ice; compression; elevation)
PHASE 2 – Rehabilitation Phase:
· Further decrease pain and inflammation
· Increase flexibility of injured tissue by stretching
· Strengthen bone and surrounding tissue through therapeutic exercises
PHASE 3 – Functional Phase:
· Functionally strengthen bone through therapeutic exercises, and by using the trampoline,
jumping rope, and doing vertical jumps.
· Protect injured area during activity by shin taping, wearing a neoprene shin sleeve, and appropraite athletic foot gear.
Note: this is probably the most important phase because it prepares the athlete for their return to activity. Care needs to be taken at this stage not to allow the athlete to overdo these exercises and stay within their limits as re-injury can easily occur.
PHASE 4 – Return to Activity
· Return to sport activity gradually, systematically, and to tolerance level
· Initiate preventive strategies by wearing appropriate athletic footwear, doing functional exercises like pilates, and revising your training program.
Note: in my experience there is an approximate one month window after the athlete returns to their activity where the chance of re-injury is great. Athletes must realize their limits and be patient!
I feel if this treatment plan is followed, as described, treatment outcomes for this common pesky problem can be more predictable.
· Protect injured area during activity by shin taping, wearing a neoprene shin sleeve, and appropraite athletic foot gear.
Note: this is probably the most important phase because it prepares the athlete for their return to activity. Care needs to be taken at this stage not to allow the athlete to overdo these exercises and stay within their limits as re-injury can easily occur.
PHASE 4 – Return to Activity
· Return to sport activity gradually, systematically, and to tolerance level
· Initiate preventive strategies by wearing appropriate athletic footwear, doing functional exercises like pilates, and revising your training program.
Note: in my experience there is an approximate one month window after the athlete returns to their activity where the chance of re-injury is great. Athletes must realize their limits and be patient!
I feel if this treatment plan is followed, as described, treatment outcomes for this common pesky problem can be more predictable.
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