Shin Splints Treatment
Relief for Runners & Athletes
Understanding Shin Splints
"Shin splints" is a general term used to describe pain running down the front or inner edges of the lower leg. It is one of the most common overuse injuries treated in sports medicine, frequently affecting runners, dancers, and athletes who rapidly increase their training intensity or run on hard surfaces. The intense pain is caused by the inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and the thin layer of tissue covering your shinbone (tibia).
Anterior Shin Splints (Front of the Leg)
The muscles on the front of your leg work constantly to hold your forefoot up as your heel strikes the ground. When running, the tremendous force of your foot slapping the pavement can overwhelm these muscles—especially if your opposing calf muscles are overly tight. At first, the pain may only occur immediately after your heel strikes the ground. However, if left untreated, the severe, tender pain will persist throughout every single step.
Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (Inner Leg)
The most frequent form of shin splints involves the muscles along the inner back edge of the shin. This is almost always related to foot biomechanics. Excessive pronation (flat, collapsing arches) places massive traction on these muscles. Because your arch drops lower than normal, your leg muscles must work twice as hard to stabilize the foot before pushing off.
The Danger of Running Through the Pain
Never ignore shin pain. If an athlete continues to run on shin splints, the intense traction can literally lift the muscle away from the bone, causing internal bleeding (subperiosteal hemorrhage). Continued impact on this compromised bone can easily lead to a debilitating stress fracture.
Treatment & Prevention
Immediate treatment requires pausing high-impact activities, stretching the calf muscles, and using anti-inflammatory therapies. However, to prevent shin splints from coming back, we must correct the root cause. Dr. Soltani highly recommends a gait analysis and the use of custom orthotics to provide robust arch support, control overpronation, and permanently remove the excessive strain from your lower leg muscles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Podiatry Services
Comprehensive Care For Your Foundation
With more than 20 years of experience treating patients with complex foot and ankle problems, we are proud to be one of the most reliable podiatry clinics in Irvine, California.
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Stem Cell Therapy
Advanced regenerative medicine designed to treat joint degeneration, inflammation, and chronic pain without surgery.
Custom Orthotics
Our comprehensive podiatric system includes custom foot orthotics to correct mechanics and provide stronger pain relief.
Why Choose Us?
Over 20 Years of Clinical Excellence
You may be surprised to know that your feet are not supposed to hurt. If you are experiencing daily foot pain, you are not alone; nearly sixty percent of the population seeks help for a foot problem every year. If you are looking for a trusted specialist in Orange County, we are here to help you get back to a pain-free life.
20+ Years Podiatry Experience
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