It’s a common misconception that if you have shin splints there’s not a whole lot you can do except take a painkiller, rest up or simply power through the pain.
In reality, you can relieve shin splints with orthotics. Here at PTI Orthotics in Denver, we’ve helped many clients who have been diagnosed with this type of injury.
Today, let’s discuss how custom orthotics can reduce pain, allow your shin splints to heal, and even help prevent them from returning.
What are Shin Splints?
Shin splints are a painful condition that involves inflammation that occurs on the front or inside of the shinbone. It is common for runners, as well as a number of other athletes. Dancers, members of the military, and police also often experience shin splints.
The main characteristic of shin splints is pain in the lower part of the leg between the knee and ankle, usually running on, under, or along your shin area. The actual medical term for this condition is tibial stress syndrome. Increases in activity create pain and swelling from overworked muscles, tendons, and bone tissue.
Diagnosing Shin Splints
If you have recently added running to your exercise routine or are walking much longer distances, you may find that your shin area aches or is tender and painful. If you are experiencing sharp steady pain that radiates from the area, you may have shin splints. This pain often goes away when you are resting.
For some people, the pain can be felt as high up as the kneecaps. To confirm that you are not suffering from other issues such as a torn ligament or stretched tendon, you will want to schedule a visit with a doctor to get a professional diagnosis.
How to Relieve Shin Splints with Orthotics
Custom orthotics for shin splints can help reduce excess pronation and are proven to help those with tibial stress syndrome. They can also improve the internal limb rotation. The combination decreases the stress on the shin area which will help alleviate pain, swelling, and tension.
If you are in need of custom orthotics to help with your shin splints, contact us here at PTI Orthotics in Denver. We can make custom orthotics designed to help alleviate the pain and improve the swelling so you can get back to the exercises you enjoy.
Further Treatment and Relief
Using rest and icing the area can help control the inflammation and reduce the pain. Rest will allow the area to heal and orthotics can help reduce additional injury and can aid in avoiding repeat shin splint injuries. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen can also be helpful for reducing inflammation and decreasing the pain.
Depending on the severity of your condition, additional steps such as specific stretching, exercises, and physical therapy may be needed. It is best to consult with your medical care provider to develop a specific plan for your situation and potentially receive a prescription for custom orthotics.
Now that you know a bit more about how to relieve shin splints with orthotics, contact us here at PTI Orthotics in Denver. We can help you heal and offer solutions to help you avoid having them reoccur.