Shin splints are defined as a pain focused on the muscle surrounding the shin bone in the lower leg. They are a commonly known injury to athletes such as runners (over any distance), basketball players, and footballers. However, the injury is not exclusive to athletes, as anyone who engages in exercise, or perhaps doesn’t engage in enough, can experience the pain.
What can cause Shin Splints?
The shin bears a lot of responsibility not just in exercise but in general mobility. There is no singular reason as to why shin splints occur; it varies with each person. Commonly known causes include:
- Poorly fitting footwear
- Foot posture (flat feet)
- Repeated impact on hard surfaces
- Having tight calf muscles, restricted Achilles tendon muscle tissue, or weak ankles
- Not warming up and stretching properly before exercise
- Sudden changes to exercise regime (i.e. going from inactive to very active)
How can Chiropractic Treatment Help?
Chiropractors are known to treat musculoskeletal and joint injuries using a variation of stretches, exercises and alignments.
- Drug Free Treatment
Whilst painkillers, injections or Deep Heat can provide short term relief of the pain, the effects aren’t long lasting and could have side-effects. This is beneficial for those who prefer not to take prescriptions or over-the-counter medicines.
- Reduction in Pain
One of the main reasons that individuals come to our chiropractic clinic is because the pain is becoming uncomfortable and preventing them from day to day activities. This is one of the main benefits of chiropractic treatment, whether it takes one session or multiple sessions to reduce the ongoing pain.
- Joint and Muscle Alignment
Chiropractic treatment is based around the alignment of joints, and thus treatment of one area may include treatment of other parts of the body. With much of the focus centred around the spine, a chiropractor may assess that part of the body before treating the affected area; in this instance, the area around the shin.
Shin splints are an incredibly uncomfortable injury to sustain. They can prevent athletes from training properly to compete in their field or be an inconvenience for those who exercise recreationally. Chiropractic treatment is often used during sporting rehabilitation. So, if you are experiencing shin splints or any other musculoskeletal injury, feel free to contact Morley Chiropractic Clinic for a consultation. To see how we can help, contact us on 0113 2383693 or send us an email at chiropractor@morleyclinic.com.
