Shin splints be gone!
- Related Injuries: Running
January 11, 2014
Hannah asked The Guru for the following Physiotherapy Advice:
Hi, I am training for a triathlon which takes place in 3 weeks but I have been suffering with shin splints for a number of months now in my right leg. I stopped running for 4 weeks and then re-started about a month ago but it is still there and very painful. I am still trying to run as need to be prepared for the tri but this morning I pulled my achilles tendon in my left foot. Please would you be able to advise as to what my best steps forward would be? Can physio help shin splints? A tens machine?
Thanks alot
Hannah
Hannah
January 11, 2014
Hi Hannah
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You need to establish what’s the cause of your shin splints, rather than just getting rid of them…
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In view of that you’ve just tweaked your left Achilles I’d plump for the most obvious cause and have have a good look at your shoes..I doubt that you’ve got 2 things wrong with you, more like 1 thing giving 2 symptoms.
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Shoes break. They loose control and don’t support the foot as they were intended. Shoes can also be too stiff and stick 2 fingers up to control and allow your foot to jar, letting other bits of your leg suffer.
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So, if you’ve new shoes walk around in them to duff them up – or get a more forgiving shoe. If you’ve old shoes, get a new, more supportive shoe.
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What to do for the next few weeks? Ice, stretch your calf, control lunges and let your symptoms settle.
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Physio [especially sports physiotherapists] would be super. TENS needs to be sent to room 101….
