Shin Splints Treatment In New Jersey

Experiencing pain in your shins after intense physical activity?  The underlying cause could be shin splints – a common and highly treatable condition.  Schedule an appointment with our world-class specialists at Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey to confirm your diagnosis and explore your treatment options!  

What Are Shin Splints?

Shin splints – medically known as medial tibial stress syndrome – are a cumulative condition caused by repetitive stress and overuse of the lower legs.  Excessive force during high-impact activities leads to inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and connective tissues around the shinbone (tibia), resulting in pain and discomfort.

Shin splint pain is common among athletes involved in high-impact sports such as running, track and field, soccer, football, and dancing.  The condition can also be associated with flat feet and may worsen if strenuous physical activity is performed without proper footwear.   

Diagnosing Shin Splints

It’s common for people with shin splints to assume that the condition originates within the shinbone itself, but that’s not entirely accurate. In reality, the pain associated with shin splints stems from inflammation of the soft tissues surrounding the tibia. When repetitive stress and overuse prevent these tissues from healing properly, symptoms such as pain and inflammation may worsen.

The Symptoms Of Shin Splints

The symptoms of shin splints often include one or more of the following:

• Pain along one or both sides of the shinbone that develops gradually over time and increases with intense physical activity
• Tenderness along the inner edge of the shinbone
• Mild swelling around the shin (may be more pronounced after exercise)
• Discomfort when flexing the foot
• Unusual stiffness, tightness, or weakness in the lower leg muscles

Diagnostic Procedures At Modern Orthopaedics Of New Jersey

At Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey, our team of fellowship-trained specialists is highly experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of shin splints.  During your initial consultation, you can expect the following:

• Your doctor will spend time listening to your concerns and take a detailed medical history.  They will ask about your symptoms, activity level, and overall health.  
• Next, an in-depth physical examination will be performed.  Your doctor may gently press on your shinbone and the surrounding tissues, take note of any muscle imbalances, and watch you walk or run to assess your gait.  
• Depending on the circumstances, imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans may also be ordered to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms – such as tendonitis or stress fractures.  

Rehabilitation And Preventive Strategies

Rehabilitation Programs For Shin Splints

At Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey, our rehabilitation programs for shin splints typically focus on: 

• Reducing pain and inflammation
• Restoring flexibility and strength to the lower legs
• Correcting biomechanical issues
• Facilitating a gradual return to full activity levels  

Our award-winning specialists are committed to understanding your mobility goals and working with you to develop a personalized treatment plan so that you can get back to all the activities you love as quickly as possible.  

Long-Term Prevention Of Shin Splints

Shin splints are common among athletes who participate in sports that involve a lot of running and jumping.  The following strategies can help to prevent shin splints over the long term:

• Make gradual increases in training intensity
• Wear supportive shoes
• Use proper technique when running and jumping
• Maintain flexibility and strength in the lower legs
• Avoid training on hard or uneven surfaces
• Rest or modify activities at the onset of symptoms

Risks And Complications Without Proper Treatment

Without proper treatment, shin splints can be associated with a wide range of potential risks and complications, both in the short term and the long term.  

Immediate Risks Of Untreated Shin Splints

The short-term risks and complications of untreated shin splints can include: 

• Worsening of symptoms, such as pain and inflammation
• Muscle weakness/muscle imbalances
• Reduced athletic performance (due to discomfort)

Long-Term Consequences Of Ignoring Shin Splints

The long-term risks and complications of untreated shin splints can include:

• Chronic pain and inflammation that may persist even with low-impact activities and be more difficult to treat
• The development of stress fractures from repetitive overuse of the tibia
• The development of gait abnormalities that may lead to other symptoms/injuries

Shin Splints Treatment At Modern Orthopaedics Of New Jersey

Get back to pain-free movement and peak performance with advanced shin splint treatment at Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey.  Schedule your initial consultation at our state-of-the-art clinic today!