Dallas Stem Cell Specialist Explains Shin Splint Causes and Treatments

Shin splints are a very painful complication caused by overuse of the muscles that are connected to the shinbone (also referred to as the tibia). The pain radiates along the shin area and increases during exercise. Causes may include intense exercise or sports involving a lot of running. Our Dallas stem cell specialist outlines the causes and treatments for shin splints below.

Symptoms of Shin Splints

Shin splints (or medial tibial stress syndrome) will cause aching and throbbing in your shin area when running, exercising, or even walking. Shin splints are caused by stress and inflammation of the muscles connecting to the shinbone, and the shinbone itself. It may cause inflexibility of the leg and difficulty exercising.

If you experience increased pain when attempting to lift your ankle and flex your foot upwards, the likely cause is a shin splint.

Causes of Shin Splints

Shin splints are more likely if you have flat feet, don’t warm-up prior to exercise, or have weak ankles or hips. Other factors include a recent increase in strenuous exercise, ill-fitting shoes, and running on hard surfaces.

Treatments for Shin Splints

Our podiatrist can diagnose the cause of your shin splints. If you’re flat-footed, orthotics may be recommended to support your feet. If it’s caused by a certain activity, you should discontinue that activity until the injury has healed. It is recommended to ice your leg and use pain relievers (if necessary). If you’re a runner, you will be advised to stop running. If the injury was caused by an increase in exercise, you should step down your routine and rest until the shin splints have healed.

When returning to your regular exercise routine, make sure that your shoes have adequate support, and take it slow to avoid recurrence of shin splints!

Call Our Friendly Office to Schedule An Appointment With Our Dallas Stem Cell Specialist!

The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about hammertoe and other topics related to podiatry, feel free to contact Dallas Podiatry Works, with a convenient podiatry office in Dallas, TX, by calling 972.564.8556 or by clicking here.

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The staff at Dallas Podiatry Works could not have been more courteous, helpful, and professional in doing their job. They made me feel comfortable when I was there, which is certainly appreciated. They answered all the questions that I had and just made each visit the most pleasurable that it could be. I would highly recommend them to anyone needing this type of foot care.

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Dr. Joel Brook and the staff were nice and helpful. Though I was a new patient, I got right in as soon as they were open in my preferred location. They diagnosed the problem and provided medicines along with a perfect gel bandage so I could keep exercising while my toes healed. My toes already hurt less and look a little better each day. If I have future issues, I will be a repeat customer. Here’s hoping I don’t, but at least I know my feet are in good hands.

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I visited this office for an ingrown toe nail a few years ago. After seeing another doctor, who made it worse, he referred me to Dallas Podiatry Works. The doctor there was able to fix my problem. I’m not great with reviews, all I can tell you is that this doctor and staff will have you up and running or doing whatever it is you do in no time. You will be in great hands. You’d be a fool not to use this doctor. Now its time to visit him again for the other toe.

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