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Treating Shin Splints

Shin splints happen when the muscles, tendons in your leg or shin bone are overloaded. Overuse in those areas can cause the leg to swell up. The pain is caused when there’s an inflammation of the muscles, tendons and bone tissue around the shin. Shin splints usually affect those who are involved in activities that require high levels of lower leg movement, such as running, jumping, gymnastics and dancing.

Shin splint symptoms

Symptoms of shin splints can include an aching pain in the front of the shin and/or in the lower leg, pain that reduces with rest; and pain during or after exercise. If your shin splint is severe, you might experience pain during rest. It’s possible for shin splints to recur despite pain reduction.

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Getting shin splint physiotherapy

Shin splints are typically considered a harmless injury, but if ignored they can lead to more serious problems.

Physiotherapy can help relieve your pain and condition. If the pain isn’t reduced after a few days of rest, or the pain increases despite rest, you might want to see a physiotherapist. In some cases, there might be other conditions causing the pain. For example, back pain or a stress fracture in the tibia can cause high levels of pain. An appointment with a Sports Focus physiotherapist will help correct any biomechanical problems you may have in your body. The level of correction required will depend on imbalances or tightness in the muscles, as this affects the way you perform exercises. Your physio may recommend using sports taping on the lower legs prior to prevent further injury during activity;  and you will be given a specific rehab exercise/stretch plan to follow.

Visit your Sydney physiotherapist if:

  • Pain doesn’t resolve after 3-4 days of rest
  • There is a dull pain that recurs during activity
  • The lower leg shows signs of bruising or swelling
  • Over-the-counter pain relief doesn’t reduce the pain

Sports Focus Physiotherapy can help you relieve your shin splint. Book an appointment for shin splint physiotherapy at a Sydney physio practice near you.