Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), aka “Shin Splints” describes exercise-induced pain along the posteromedial border of the tibia.
The leading mechanism of injury is repetitive eccentric contraction from running or jumping on hard surfaces. Excessive or improper training is the leading factor in the development of MTSS.
If you have any questions about how we can help you, please contact us today at (989) 686-6808.
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See one of the ways we treat shin splints!
How do I get shin spints?
There are multiple reasons why someone might start experiencing shin splints. Here is a list of some of the most common causes.
- Excessive activity on flat feet or high arches.
- Running on hard surfaces or on terrain that is uneven.
- Having a sudden increase to the level of intensity, duration, or to how frequent your workouts are.
- Constant running, especially if you are typically running on a hard surface such as concrete.
Some of the most common symptoms for shin splints include the following:
- Pain, swelling, or tenderness on the inner lower part of the left or front of the shin bone.
- Typically starts of as come-and-go discomfort after exercise or activities and will develop into a constant and steady pain after activities.
- Can range from a shooting pain to a dull ache.
Our Shin Sprints Injury Treatment
Chiropractic Adjustments
At Lake Effect Chiropractic we specialize in chiropractic adjustments that improve overall health and get you feeling great.
Compression Therapy
Compression therapy is designed to increase blood flow to speed up recovery from workouts or from injuries. This therapy involves NormTec Boots that help this process and increase recovery time.
Summus Class IV Medical Laser
Laser Therapy is the use of specific wavelengths of light (red and near-infrared) to stimulate the body's natural ability to heal. Improved healing time, pain reduction, increased blood circulation and decreased swelling are the major effects of laser energy. Summus Medical Lasers are designed to target the body's optimal light-absorbing complexes to treat pain and accelerate the healing process.
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)
IASTM is another option to resolve pain and tightness in the body. This approach to fascia and muscle work reduces friction which allows for precision, sensitivity and depth that cannot be accomplished with the hands, knuckles, elbows etc.
Therapeutic Exercises
Here at Lake Effect Chiropractic, we specialize in assisting our patients through physical rehabilitation to keep them healthy after they experience an injury or pain in any way.
Active Release Technique
Active Release Technique (ART) is a soft tissue therapy designed to rid injured areas of scar tissue. Here at Lake Effect Chiropractic, we incorporate ART in our treatment of musculoskeletal disorders to remedy injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, rotator cuff injuries, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, knee problems, tennis elbow, headaches, and back pain. All of these conditions tend to have one thing in common: the result of an overused muscle.
McKenzie Method
Without a full range of motion and proper use of joints, our backs, necks and joints become stiff and less mobile, leading to pain, greater loss of movement and dysfunction. The McKenzie method is a standardized assessment tool, defining and classifying movement problems and recommending appropriate treatment.
Pulstar
If you are uncomfortable with the more traditional manual adjustments, the PulStar is an amazing option for light force chiropractic adjustments.
The first step in treating your shin splints:
The first step in your recovery is receiving a medical diagnosis from an experienced professional like our chiropractors.
The treatment and prognosis of your shin splints may vary based on the severity of your pain and the extent of the injury itself, and usually starts with a thorough history and exam of the presenting pain. Treatments that may be recommended by our chiropractors at Lake Effect Chiropractic include chiropractic care, soft tissue manipulation/ treatment, rehabilitation exercises, if more progressive treatment is needed we may use our painless Class IV Summus Medical Laser.
If you are suffering from a injury that is getting in the way, call us today at (989) 686-6808 to request your appointment at Lake Effect Chiropractic with our chiropractors.
When should I see a chiropractor for my shin spints?
This is an important question to ask and to answer! Many shin spints may be treated with chiropractic treatment. Whether it's an acute form of shin splints that's flared up or a chronic type of shin splints that you've been struggling with on and off for years.
It excites us to have new patients who have had other chiropractic experiences, what we do at Lake Effect Chiropractic is target the source of the problem and work to extinguish it! Getting the body moving, from the joints to the muscles, we know MOVEMENT IS MEDICINE!
Despite the fact that sports injuries are common, the seriousness of the injuries and the conditions that cause them to vary. What we do is different, your shin spints treatment is always individualized and we are here to help you with whatever pain you may be experiencing here in Bay City, Michigan.
We work together with the medical community to make sure you receive the proper care no matter what your condition may be, new or old, minor or serious, we want you to get back to a pain-free life and enjoy it!
What Causes Shin Splints?
There are multiple reasons why someone might start experiencing pain in their shins. Here is some information about Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome and how shin splints can develop...
Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) describes exercise-induced pain along the posteromedial border of the tibia. The condition is commonly referred to as "Shin splints" and is a familiar injury in athletes and soldiers.
MTSS is responsible for approximately 15% of all running injuries.
MTSS is believed to result from repetitive eccentric contraction of the deep flexors during running, jumping, or impact loading on hard surfaces. Repetitive strain is the main cause of this condition.
Excessive or improper training is the leading factor in the development of shin splints. Common training errors include the terrible too's :
- too much
- too fast
- too long
Other factors that attribute to shin splints:
- Athletes who run more than 20 miles per week are at increased risk of developing MTSS.
- Inexperienced runners or those with poor technique are at greater risk.
- Running with a narrow or "crossover" gait increases tibial stress.
- Foot hyperpronation is a significant risk factor for the development of MTSS, as a collapsing foot puts additional stress on the suspect tissues.
Common Pain Presentation
Symptoms are often worse with exertion – particularly at the beginning of a workout. Initially, symptoms may subside during training, but as the condition progresses, symptoms may linger throughout activity or even at rest.
Pain that persists more than five minutes post-activity carries a higher suspicion of stress fracture. Shin, tibia, stress fractures can very closely mimic shin splint pain.
Management
The successful management of MTSS/ shin splints requires the removal of risk factors, and rest. No other intervention has proven more successful than rest for the management of shin splints. We understand this is not always and option… however, athletes may need to consider non-weight bearing cross-training. Things like stationary cycling or pool running. Lastly, recognize running shoes lose half of their shock absorption capacity after 300-500 miles and should be replaced within that range.
Resolution of shin splints requires:
- Correction of any associated poor movement mechanics.
- Kinesiology taping can be introduced to help improve movement mechanics.
- Stretching exercises and myofascial release are appropriate for the involved muscles.
- Strengthening exercises are imprortant for changing movement patters and getting out of the pain cycle.
- Chiropratic adjustments may be used to resolve joint restrictions in the spine, sacroiliac joint, pelvis, and lower extremity.
What Patients Are Saying!
Reviews from our patients!
"My sister referred me to Dr. Ashley for some ankle pain I’ve been having for a few months, along with some other aches and pains. After only three weeks, my pain has diminished greatly and I’m moving so much better. As a recreational runner, the time I spend not working is important to me and to enjoy my time pain-free makes it all the more enjoyable. Thank you for your expertise and education regarding my body."
-Elizabeth from Bay City, MI
"Awesome treatment for athletes. Got rid of all the pain I had. Amazing staff! "
-Owen from Auburn, MI
"The service is great and the doctors are pretty funny! The adjustments are truly working well! I’m amazed that they actually physically demonstrate to you the exercises and stretches that will help. I felt this sets them apart from those chiropractors. For me seeing is always the best way to learn to do them correctly! I greatly appreciate and recommend the team at Lake Effect Chiropractic!!! "
-James from Bay City, MI