Naturally Treating Shin Splints

What are Shin Splints?

Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome) are a common sports injury, especially in runners, volleyball players, and other athletes that run and jump frequently. This pain is usually felt along the inside edge of the tibia, more commonly known as your shin. Shin splints occur when the muscles and tendons around the bone are overworked, which can happen with increased activity levels, sudden changes in training intensity/frequency, improper footwear, or running/jumping on hard surfaces. Although many people believe they can push through the pain, this is not ideal! Pushing through the pain can lead to bigger problems such as stress fractures.

What can we do to help?

There are many natural, non-invasive treatments that can help treat shin splints. Rather than turning to harmful pain medications to mask the pain, consider the following treatments:

Shin Splints at Midland Sports Rehab and Freeland Sports Rehab in Midland, Freeland, and Saginaw, MI

• Chiropractic Adjustments: Our chiropractors in Midland, Freeland, and Saginaw are trained to assess your body’s biomechanics and overall alignment. Running with injuries can lead to further complications that sports chiropractors can address. For example, someone with shin splints may develop an antalgic gait (favoring the uninjured side), which can lead to hip and low back pain due to misalignment. Chiropractic adjustments help restore proper alignment in the low back, improving body mechanics and reducing stress on the lower legs.
• Myofascial Release: When muscles are overworked, they can become tight and develop knots or trigger points. Our chiropractors use hands-on techniques to release muscle tightness and break up these knots. Another common method for myofascial release involves stainless steel IASTM tools. This technique, often called “scraping,” helps break up adhesions in the fascia—a connective tissue that surrounds and supports muscles—improving blood flow, promoting healing, and reducing inflammation.
• Assisted Stretching: Assisted stretching can help loosen tight, overworked muscles that contribute to shin splints. Our Stretch Therapist’s at Midland Sports Rehab and Freeland Sports Rehab will guide you in properly stretching the muscles that are tight and overworked, helping to reduce tension, improve blood flow, and promote healing.
• Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can help prevent shin splints and reduce the risk of future injuries. Our physical therapists at our Midland, Freeland, and Saginaw clinics are trained to identify muscle imbalances and guide you through exercises to strengthen weakened muscles, allowing you to get back to training while minimizing the risk of injury.

What can you do at home to help?

• Rest: Avoid activities that aggravate the pain. This may mean taking a day or two off from training.

• Ice: Apply ice packs to the affected area for no more than 20 minutes at a time to reduce inflammation.

• Proper Footwear: Ensure you are wearing the right footwear and that your shoes are not overly worn out. If the treads are worn down or the cushioning feels flat, it may be time for a new pair.

• Stretching: Always stretch properly before and after activity to prevent tightness and injury.