Shin pain accounts for 60% of lower leg injuries and frequently occurs in repetitive loading sports like running, triathlon, basketball, netball, hockey, football, and rugby. An accurate diagnosis is paramount when managing painful shins.
Shin pain develops when too much load is placed on the tissues surrounding the bone. Initially you will find the shins feel better with activity and worse afterwards, only to get worse with more exercise. We often find the inside of the shin is tender at the lower third and very sensitive to touch. We have found it vital to get an accurate diagnosis and history before a management plan is started.
We have found the most common causes for shin pain are:
- Poor running technique with often an overstriding
- Incorrect footwear for the chosen sport or surface
- A sudden increase in training or during preseason conditioning
- Inappropriate surfaces such as concrete and hard turf
- Weak hip, abdominal and upper leg muscles
- Tight calves
- Flat feet and poor shoe selection
Our treatment involves:
- Reviewing your activity and training methods
- A cross training program to keep your fitness at a good level while you recover
- A run technique program
- Orthotics/insoles and footwear prescription for your chosen sport
- Physiotherapy to mobilise, loosen and strengthen the muscles of the hip and leg
- A gradual return to activity program
Our podiatrists can help you return to sport as quickly as possible. We will accurately diagnose the injury and develop a injury program tailored to you whether you are injured or returning from injury.
To get yourself back up and running quickly, get in touch to make an appointment to see one of our experienced podiatrists.
