Staying Safe At Work

Shin Splints And How Physical Therapy Can Treat Them

21 July 2023

Brent Chapman

Shin splints are a common condition that causes pain and inflammation along the inner side of the shin bone (tibia). Shin splints are often caused by repetitive stress on the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue that attach to the tibia, such as from running, jumping, or other high-impact activities.

Here is a bit of information about shin splints and how physical therapy can be used to treat them.

What Are the Risk Factors for Shin Splints?

There are multiple risk factors for shin splints. They include:

• Flattening of the arch of the foot (overpronation) while standing, walking, or running
• A previous injury while running
• Participation in a sport that requires repetitive jumping or running
• Excessive hip movement during ambulation
• A high BMI (body mass index)

Shin splints can interfere with your daily activities and performance, and if left untreated, they can lead to more serious complications such as stress fractures. Therefore, it is important to seek professional help from a physical therapist if you experience shin splint symptoms.

How Can Physical Therapy Help?

Physical therapy is an effective and safe way to treat shin splints and prevent them from recurring. Physical therapists are movement experts who can help you recover pain-free movement and learn exercises and strategies to avoid re-injury. Physical therapy for shin splints may include:

• A thorough evaluation. The therapist will assess your health history, symptoms, posture, gait, strength, flexibility, and pain response.
• A personalized treatment plan. The provider will develop a plan that addresses your specific goals and needs. They may use a combination of manual therapy, modalities, exercises, stretches, and education to help you heal and improve your function.
• Manual therapy. Therapeutic applications may include soft tissue massage, joint mobilization, or dry needling to reduce pain, inflammation, and muscle tension.
• Modalities. Additional treatments may include ice, heat, electrical stimulation, or ultrasound to enhance blood flow, decrease swelling, and promote healing.
• Exercises. Exercise may be used to strengthen the muscles that support your shins, such as your calves, hamstrings, hip flexors, and glutes. Your physical therapist may also prescribe exercises to improve your balance, coordination, and agility.
• Stretches. Stretching can improve the flexibility and range of motion of your lower leg muscles and tendons. Your physical therapist may also teach you how to use a foam roller or other self-massage tools to release tightness and trigger points.

• Education. It is important to learn how to modify your activity level, footwear, training program, or technique to prevent overloading your shins. Your physical therapist may also teach you how to warm up properly before exercise and how to cool down afterward.

For more information about physical therapy for shin splints, contact a therapist in your local area. 

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