Shin Splints

The shin bone (tibia) is the largest bone in the lower leg. The top of the tibia connects to the knee joint while the bottom connects to the ankle joint. When pain is present along the shin bone this is known as shin splints. Shin splints are medically known as Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS). Athletes, runners and dancers are at higher risks for shin splints due to repetitive stress on the shin bone. 

“Muscle fatigue is shown to influence the cause of shin splints. Muscles in the area of the shin and foot are supposed to act as shock absorbers by absorbing the stress of movement that would otherwise transfer to the bone. Hence, when athletes are doing too much too soon, it causes muscle fatigue, resulting in a decrease in the shock absorbing function of the muscle. Consequently, the stresses are transmitted to the bone, leading to shin splints.” (Raj Issuree, MPT, Shin Splints)

Shin splints may cause tenderness, swelling, soreness or pain along the shin bone. Most shin splints can be treated with rest, ice and hot compresses, over the counter medications and other at home remedies. Consult your doctor if your shin splint pain doesn’t go away. Physical therapy will determine what risk factors caused your shin splint and will help to teach you how to address the causes.

At Reddy Care Physical, Occupational and Aquatic Therapy, your physical therapist will create a unique treatment plan tailored for your specific needs. To relieve the tenderness, swelling, soreness and pain associated with shin splints, your physical therapist may prescribe:

• Rest
• Ice & heat applications
• Exercise rehabilitation
• Kinesio taping
• Manual therapy
• Myofascial therapy
• Strengthening exercises
• Stretches
• Massage therapy

Physical therapists are movement experts. If you or a loved one is suffering from shin splints call Reddy Care Physical, Occupational and Aquatic Therapy to learn more and schedule an appointment.

Great Neck: 475 Northern Blvd., Ste.11, Great Neck, NY 11021   Tel. (516) 829-0030

Farmingdale: 309 North West Dr., Farmingdale, NY 11735   Tel. (516) 420-2900

Woodbury: 150 Woodbury Rd., Woodbury, NY 11797   Tel. (516) 367-1111

Deer Park: 2024 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park, NY 11729   Tel. (631) 243-0247

North Shore Towers: 272-78 Grand Central Pkwy., Floral Park, NY 11005   Tel. (516) 344-0030

In-Home Physical & Occupational Therapy (Home Care): 516-829-0030 

*Home therapy servicing Long Island, Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn, the Bronx & Manhattan*

Bayside - Aquatic Therapy: 208-32 Cross Island Pkwy., Bayside, NY11360  Tel. (718) 224-8480 *coming soon*

Sources: Choose PT , MayoClinic , StarsPT

Links: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube

Written by:

Dr. Vinod Somareddy, PT, DPT

President

Reddy Care Physical Therapy

Reddy Care Occupational Therapy

Reddy Care Aquatic Therapy

Author

Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy is an outstanding specialty service providing exceptional care and state-of-the-art treatments for the residents of Farmingdale and Great Neck, New York. The combination of innovative exercise programs, manual therapy, and technology together with the expertise of every member of the team enables Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy to provide services that ensure superior clinical outcomes and consistently high patient satisfaction.