SHIN PAIN (Shin Splints) 

Shin Splints is a common term for pain or inflammation in the front and/or inside section of the tibia.

The patient will complain of tightness/tenderness and sometimes throbbing pain along the the tibia that comes on with a specific activity (especially running) and often settles upon resting. Often, it will start like a dull ache but quickly becomes sharper and more aggravated.

Anterior tibial stress (shin splints) is often experienced by new runners or walkers when pain occurs in the anterior muscles of the shin during exercise. Posterior shin splints (medial tibial pain) is a more chronic condition occurring along the inside edge of the tibia and generally occurs with over-use related sports. Both conditions are related to excess stretching (traction) of soft tissue structures along the shin bones (tibia and fibula).

Excessive subtalar joint pronation and internal tibial rotation increase the medial tractional forces upon the deep flexors and extensors of the leg. This is a common factor in muscular overuse conditions and commonly exhibits secondary periosteal swelling due to tractional forces placed upon the soft tissue structures on the tibia and fibula.

Treatment of this condition initially involves rest, ice therapy, anti-inflammatory medications and taping. Soft tissue therapy and stretching and strengthening exercises will help loosen the tight structures. In conjunction to these treatments, Sports control orthotics are the most effective means of treating this condition.

Exercises:

Stretching & strengthening of tibial muscles - sit on a chair and loop a weight around the ankle. Keep the leg straight and lift the foot up and down from the ankle.

The orthotics which we recommend for this condition are the Maximum Density Grey/Red FootSupports™ orthotics.

Maximum Support Full Length Orthotic FootSupports™

Rigid, Firm Density Orthotic FootSupports™. Designed for high performance use, these orthotics provide maximum support and control of the feet. These functional foot orthotics incorporate a deep heel cup and moulded arch support which re-aligns the foot and helps stabilize the lower limb in the correct position, thus removing abnormal tractional forces and providing relief from related symptoms and complaints.

• This orthotic is designed to suit the majority of people who require extra support and control of the position of their feet.

• Maximum control and support.

• Particularly suitable for sports.

• These Full Length Version are designed for shoes, trainers and boots which feature removable insoles. Please note that they can be trimmed with scissors to fit the shoe, should they be too long.

• Brushed nylon with a soft, cushioning 2mm Durapontex top cover makes this orthotic very comfortable to wear.

• Featuring a deep stabilizing heel cup with shock absorbing heel pad.

• Moulded and contoured metatarsal and transverse arch support.

• Designed to support and help re-align an over pronating foot, which is the main cause of many foot conditions including Heel Pain, Plantar Fasciitis, Flat Feet, Painful Arches, Shin Splints, Over Pronation, Supination, Ankle Pain, Heel Spurs, Morton’s Neuroma, Bunions, Metatarsalgia, Aching Legs, Knee Pain and Lower Back Pain.

The Full Length Version are designed for Shoes, Trainers and Boots which feature removable insoles.