Shin splints are a common complaint of lower leg pain. They are characterized by pain in the front or inside aspect of the lower leg due to long-term overexertion of the muscles of the legs. Pain usually develops gradually over time with no history of trauma. The pain begins as a dull ache along the front or inside of the tibia or shin. Small bumps with areas of tenderness may develop along the shin bone as the pain worsens. Small tears in the leg muscles may develop where the muscles attach to the bone, causing severe pain if this problem is not addressed.
Cause
People with all types of feet can develop shin splints. The root cause of shin splints is lack of proper support to the feet.
Treatment and Prevention
If you think you have symptoms of shin splints:
- Take a break from strenuous activity
- Use ice therapy
- Take anti-inflammatory medication to relieve pain and reduce inflammation
If this condition goes unattended, stress fractures in the bone may develop. An ex-ray is recommended to check for fractures.
The best way to prevent shin splints is to wear a custom-fitted ezWalker® orthotic. The ezWalker® custom orthotic will support, balance, stabilize and protect the body from the effects of overexerting the leg muscles, helping to heal any existing pain.
Also proper fitting footwear factors into the treatment and prevention of shin splints. Improperly fitted footwear can actually make shin splints worse. Therefore, you need to choose a shoe that provides cushioning during the heel strike to absorb shock. Additionally, you can wear the ezWalker® custom orthotics to reduce stress and strain on your leg muscles.
Make sure you are fitting your shoes properly. Have your shoe fit checked regularly. Remember the size on the measuring device is only a reference. Mass-manufactured shoes are NOT all created equal. Refer to the Shoe Fitting Reference Guide for proper guidelines on how to best fit your shoes.
If you are follow these guidelines and your pain persists, you must seek the counsel of a physician for proper diagnosis and treatment.
