Does Physical Therapy Help with Shin Splints?

If you feel an aching and throbbing pain in your shins when you run or splint, you may suffer from an injury known as shin splints. This injury is very common for athletes who perform physical activity that requires a lot of running or jumping or strenuous sports such as soccer or tennis.  If left untreated, this could lead to more serious injury and can potentially put you out of action for weeks or months. If you had recently sustained a shin splint and are seeking physical therapy near White Plains NY, then contact us today at NYSMI. Our team will assess the issue and develop an individualized treatment plan that is right for you so you can go back to perform the sports you love. 

What is Shin Splints? 

Your shin bone is located at the front of your lower leg, just above your ankle and below your knees. You will feel pain concentrated in this area when performing strenuous physical activity. You may hear your doctor refer to it as “medial tibial stress syndrome” 

Usually, the pain is associated with minor tears in the muscles inside of the shin bone. It is felt either in the middle or towards the lower leg when you perform a physical activity such as running. It can be so intense that it can cause you to stop. 

It is important to know that shin splints are cumulative. Repeated stress or injury to the shin can prevent it from naturally healing and repairing itself. 

Physical therapy near White Plains NY

What Causes Shin Splints? 

Shin Splints are a result of a tremendous amount of force or stress on the shin bone and its tissues surrounding it. This can cause the muscles to swell and inflame, adding pressure to the bone. 

It can also result from the constant pounding on the bones. This can cause the bone to crack, and if it isn’t given enough ample time to rest, it can lead to a complete fracture. 

Various physical activities can put you at risk. The risk factor for shin splints include: 

  • Having flat feet, it can cause your foot to collapse. 
  • Wearing shoes that don’t fit well or aren’t appropriate for physical activity.
  • Working out without warming up. 
  • Lack of flexibility. 
  • Improper techniques 
  • Running downhill, on a slanted surface, or uneven terrain. 
  • Weak legs, ankles, or hips. 
  • Sports that require fast stops and stops such as soccer or tennis. 

Symptoms of Shin Splints 

If you recently have sustained shin splints, some of the symptoms you experience may be: 

  • A dull ache in the front lower leg 
  • Pain during exercise 
  • Pain on the sides of the shin bone 
  • Muscle pain 
  • Pain in the inner part of your lower leg 
  • Tenderness or soreness
  • Swelling 
  • Numbness and weakness in the legs and feet

If your symptoms become worse and it is preventing you from performing your physical activities, see our physical therapy near White Plains NY. 

How Treatment and Physical Therapy near White Plains, NY Can Help?

There are many ways you can treat shin splints. The important thing to keep in mind is to give your legs time to heal! Time allotted can allow the pain and discomfort to resolve on its own. If you don’t, you can put yourself at risk for serious injury. 

Our physical therapy near White Plains NY can suggest you do the following such as:

  • Keeping the legs elevated.
  • Applying ice packs to reduce swelling.
  • Taking over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen. 
  • Using foam rollers to massage your legs and shins.
  • Warming up before performing any physical activity. 

Our physical therapy near White Plains NY will most likely prescribe an at-home exercise program to prevent future shin splints. Exercises may include hip strengthening, squatting, leg stretches and more. 

Prevention of Shin Splints

Here are some steps you can do to prevent shin splints from happening: 

  • Wearing proper shoes that fit well and have good support.
  • Using insoles if you have flat feet. 
  • Avoid working out on hard or slanted surfaces. 
  • Stretching properly.
  • Strength training exercises. 

You should refrain from any physical activity if pain starts to develop. 

Contact Us For Physical therapy near White Plains, NY

If you are experiencing aching and throbbing pain in your shins, don’t allow it to stop you from performing and engaging in the sports you love. Contact us today at NYSMI and let our team help you! We will come up with a treatment plan that is right for you and get you on the path to recovery. Visit us online today to schedule your appointment.

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