Facts about Shin Splints

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At Texas Foot Specialists we know that more of our patients are switching up their fitness routines to include activities like walking and running that can be done without a gym and at a socially safe distance outdoors. Along with this switch, we’re seeing more injuries and disorders related to these types of activities and one of them is shin splints. There are some misconceptions about this condition that we’d like to clear up with the facts below.

“Shin splints are normal when you first start to run or walk for exercise.” Any time you start up a new exercise or sport there’s bound to be some sore muscles as new parts of your body get a workout. However, chronic pain of any sort is not normal and should not be ignored or “played through.” This just leads to more serious and debilitating injuries.

“Shin splints are such a minor condition that they don’t need medical attention.” Shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome, are indicated by pain and sometimes swelling on either side of the shin bone. When you have shin splints, stress is being caused to the muscles surrounding the shin bones. The more the muscles are pulled away from the bone the greater the pain and inflammation. In severe cases, it’s even possible for a stress fracture to occur. For this reason, shin splints should not be ignored but rather treated by our podiatrists, Dr. Bruce Miller and Dr. Gregory Mangum. Contact our Sugar Land (281-242-4448), Pasadena (281-991-0600) or Houston (713-664-6677) offices for an appointment.

“Shin splints will go away on their own.” Not unless you determine and treat the root cause. There are several possible reasons for shin splints:

  • A biomechanical defect such as flat feet, overpronation or high arches

  • Wearing shoes that don’t support your feet properly or fit correctly

  • An underlying condition such as tendonitis

  • Inadequate stretching and warmup before exercise

The podiatrist will be able to trace the source of your shin splints and prescribe the appropriate treatment for the pain you’re experiencing. The foot doctor will also help you make adjustments to your exercise routine and the shoes you’re wearing to prevent shin splints from recurring.

If you are experiencing pain from exercising, don’t wait, contact us today.