Shin Splints Treatment with Custom Orthotics

Shin splints treatment is a critical topic for athletes and fitness enthusiasts who often experience pain along the shinbone (tibia), the prominent bone in the lower leg. This condition, commonly known as shin splints, can range from a mild annoyance to a severe impediment that impacts daily mobility and overall quality of life. Especially prevalent among runners, dancers, and those participating in rigorous physical activities, shin splints require timely and effective management.

The repercussions of untreated shin splints go beyond just physical discomfort. They have the potential to sideline athletes, disrupt training routines, and even lead to more serious injuries. This underscores the importance of not only understanding but actively seeking out efficient shin splints treatment.

Effective intervention, which often includes rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers, is crucial for alleviating pain, enabling a quicker return to regular activities, and crucially, preventing the condition from recurring.

While traditional treatment methods are often the first step, for many individuals, these are significantly enhanced by the addition of custom orthotics and orthopaedic shoes.

What are Shin Splints?

Shin splints, medically known as medial tibial stress syndrome, occur when pain and inflammation affect the tissues that attach muscles to the shinbone. This condition is a common plight among athletes, particularly those involved in running or high-impact sports. The hallmark symptom of shin splints is a sharp, aching pain along the inner edge of the shinbone, which might intensify during physical activity. Often, this discomfort begins as a dull ache that can escalate to a sharp, shooting pain as the condition worsens.

The complexity of shin splints lies in their diverse symptomatology. Some individuals experience swelling in the lower leg, while others might notice a mild soreness that becomes progressively painful over time. The pain may be continuous or sporadic, but it typically flares up during and immediately after exercise. (Source)

Understanding the common causes of shin splints is crucial for both prevention and treatment. They frequently result from overuse, especially in sports that involve repetitive stress on the shinbone and the connective tissues surrounding it. Other contributing factors include:

• Improper Training Techniques
  Sudden changes in physical activity, such as an increase in intensity or duration, can trigger shin splints.
• Inadequate Footwear
  Shoes that do not provide sufficient support or cushioning can exacerbate the stress on the lower leg.
• Muscle Imbalance
  Weakness in the leg muscles, tight Achilles tendons, or an imbalance between the muscles of the front and back of the leg can contribute to the development of shin splints.
• Underlying Biomechanical Issues
  Flat feet or an abnormal gait pattern can increase the risk of shin splints by altering the distribution of force through the leg.
• Hard or Uneven Surfaces
  Running or exercising on hard surfaces like concrete or uneven terrain can put additional stress on the shinbone and surrounding tissues.

Choosing the Right Shin Splints Treatment

When it comes to managing shin splints, selecting the right treatment approach is critical. This condition, while common, can vary significantly in its severity and impact from person to person. A one-size-fits-all solution is often ineffective.

The key lies in tailoring the treatment to individual needs, ensuring both immediate relief and long-term prevention of recurrence.

Various Treatment Methods

• Rest and Recovery
  The first line of treatment typically involves reducing or stopping any activity that causes pain. This rest period allows the inflamed tissues to heal and prevents further injury.
• Ice Therapy
  Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce pain and swelling. This is usually done for 20-30 minutes every three to four hours for several days until the pain subsides.
• Medication
  Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can alleviate pain and inflammation. However, these should be used cautiously and as a short-term solution.
• Stretching and Strengthening Exercises
  Specific exercises can help stretch and strengthen the muscles around the shin, improving flexibility and reducing the strain on the shinbone.
• Physical Therapy
  A physiotherapist can guide through exercises and stretches that specifically target the muscles involved in shin splints. They can also help in improving biomechanics and gait patterns.
• Custom Orthotics and Orthopaedic Shoes
  For many individuals, especially those with underlying biomechanical issues, custom orthotics and orthopaedic shoes can be a game-changer. These devices are designed to correct structural abnormalities, distribute pressure evenly, and provide adequate support and cushioning to the feet.

Why Choosing the Right Treatment is Crucial

Choosing the appropriate treatment for shin splints is not just about quick pain relief; it’s about addressing the root cause of the problem to prevent future occurrences. Inadequate treatment can lead to a chronic condition, increasing the risk of more severe injuries like stress fractures. Furthermore, the right treatment plan helps maintain an active lifestyle and prevents the negative impact of prolonged inactivity, such as muscle weakness and reduced cardiovascular fitness.

For instance, while rest and ice therapy might offer immediate relief, they do not address underlying structural issues that could be contributing to the pain. This is where custom orthotics and orthopaedic shoes help, offering a long-term solution that not only alleviates current discomfort but also prevents future injuries by ensuring proper foot alignment and gait.

How Custom Orthotics Help with Shin Splints Treatment

The treatment of shin splints often extends beyond conventional methods like rest and ice therapy, especially when addressing the root causes of the condition.

What are Orthotics?

Orthotics are specialized devices inserted into footwear to support, align, and improve the function of the foot. They are distinctly different from standard insoles found in retail stores. Custom orthotics are specifically crafted to match the contours of an individual’s feet and are designed based on precise measurements and assessments of a person’s foot mechanics.

These devices can be made from a variety of materials, ranging from rigid or semi-rigid materials for structural support to softer materials for cushioning.

Benefits of Custom Orthotics for Shin Splints

• Correcting Biomechanical Imbalances
  Many cases of shin splints stem from underlying biomechanical issues such as flat feet, overpronation, or uneven leg lengths. Custom orthotics are designed to correct these imbalances, thereby reducing the stress on the shinbone and the surrounding tissues.
• Improving Foot and Ankle Alignment
  By ensuring proper alignment of the foot and ankle, orthotics can reduce the strain on the lower leg, which is critical in both treating and preventing shin splints.
• Distributing Pressure Evenly
  Custom orthotics help distribute body weight more evenly across the foot. This reduces the concentration of pressure on specific areas of the foot and shin, which is often a contributing factor to shin splints.
• Enhancing Shock Absorption
  Orthotics can be designed with materials that absorb impact, which is particularly beneficial for athletes or individuals engaging in high-impact activities. This shock absorption capability helps mitigate the force transmitted to the shinbone.
• Providing Targeted Support
  Custom orthotics can be tailored to provide support exactly where it’s needed, based on the individual’s foot structure and the specific demands of their activities.

The Care-Med approach involves a detailed analysis of foot and ankle mechanics, gait analysis, and understanding the lifestyle and physical demands of the client. This holistic approach ensures that the custom orthotics provided are not just a standard solution, but a key part of a comprehensive strategy for shin splints treatment.

Orthopaedic Shoes and Managing Shin Splints

Custom orthotics significantly enhance their effectiveness in treating shin splints when paired with orthopaedic shoes. These specialized shoes, designed to offer extra support and comfort, tackle several key factors contributing to shin splints.

Benefits of Orthopaedic Shoes for Shin Splints

• Enhanced Support
  Orthopaedic shoes are engineered to provide superior support to the feet, ankles, and legs. This support is crucial in alleviating the stress on the shinbone and the surrounding muscles, which is a primary factor in shin splints.
• Improved Foot Alignment
  These shoes are specifically designed to promote proper foot alignment. Correct alignment is essential in distributing weight and stress evenly across the foot, which helps in reducing the likelihood of developing shin splints.
• Customizable Fit
  Many orthopaedic shoes come with features like adjustable straps or laces, and spacious toe boxes. This customizable fit ensures that the shoes can accommodate custom orthotics comfortably, providing an integrated solution for shin splint treatment.
• Superior Cushioning and Shock Absorption
  Orthopaedic shoes often include enhanced cushioning and materials that absorb shock. This feature is particularly beneficial for individuals with shin splints, as it minimizes the impact on the lower legs during activities.
• Durable and Stabilizing Outsoles
  The outsoles of orthopaedic shoes are designed for durability and stability. They provide a firm grip and help in maintaining balance, reducing the risk of additional strain on the shins during movement.

How Orthopaedic Shoes Complement Orthotics

Orthopaedic shoes and custom orthotics collaborate to offer a comprehensive solution for managing shin splints. We tailor orthotics to each individual’s specific foot structure and biomechanical needs, while orthopaedic shoes supply the necessary external support and environment for optimal orthotic functionality.

When used together, orthotics and orthopaedic shoes offer a synergistic effect. The orthotics work on correcting internal alignment and imbalances, while the orthopaedic shoes provide the necessary external support and cushioning. This combination not only helps in effectively managing the pain associated with shin splints but also aids in preventing their recurrence by ensuring proper foot mechanics during physical activities.

Care-Med: In-House Chiropodist and Pedorthist

Care-Med LTD’s approach to treating shin splints is the expertise of its dedicated team, including in-house chiropodists and pedorthists. Our professional team ensures that each patient receives not just a standard treatment but a personalized care plan tailored to their specific needs.

At Care-Med, our Chiropodists specialize in assessing, managing, and preventing foot diseases and disorders. Their expertise in foot anatomy, physiology, and mechanics equips them to adeptly identify and address the root causes of shin splints.

Pedorthists, on the other hand, are experts in foot orthotic therapy and footwear. They specialize in the design, manufacture, modification, and fit of orthotics and shoes to alleviate problems caused by disease, overuse, congenital condition, or injury. Their expertise is crucial in creating custom orthotics and recommending the right orthopaedic shoes that work together to treat shin splints effectively.

The combination of chiropody and pedorthic services at Care-Med offers a comprehensive approach to shin splints treatment. Here’s how their expertise makes a difference:

1. Comprehensive Assessment

The team conducts thorough assessments, including gait analysis and foot biomechanics evaluation. This helps in accurately identifying the specific factors contributing to each individual’s shin splints.

2. Personalized Treatment Plans

Based on the assessment, the chiropodist and pedorthist collaboratively develop personalized treatment plans. These plans often include a combination of custom orthotics, appropriate orthopaedic shoes, and specific exercises or therapies targeted to address the patient’s unique condition.

3. Ongoing Support and Adjustment

The journey to recovery from shin splints is often dynamic. Care-Med’s team provides ongoing support, monitoring progress, and making necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. This ensures that the patients receive adaptable and responsive care throughout their recovery process.

4. Preventive Care Guidance

Beyond treating existing shin splints, the team at Care-Med also focuses on preventive strategies. They educate patients on how to avoid future occurrences through proper foot care, exercises, and the correct use of orthotics and footwear.

Most major insurance companies recognize Care-Med LTD, attesting to the legitimacy and efficacy of its treatments. This recognition often translates to coverage for many of our services and products, including custom orthotics and orthopaedic shoes. However, we advise clients to confirm the specific details of their coverage with their insurance providers, as policies and coverage limits can vary.

Next Steps Toward Healing

Care-Med LTD stands at the forefront of offering tailored solutions for shin splints, backed by over 18 years of experience and a team of in-house chiropodists and pedorthists.

If you are struggling with shin splints, we encourage you to consult with our experts at Care-Med. Our personalized approach ensures that each client receives a treatment plan that is not only effective in alleviating pain but also in preventing future occurrences.

If you’re noticing discomfort, changes in how you walk, or new aches and pains, we’re here to help. Schedule a foot assessment and let’s find out what’s really going on.