Are you experiencing sharp, stabbing pain along the front of your lower leg? If so, you could be suffering from shin splints, a common, and very painful condition. Our podiatrist can help. Dr. Yong Chae at Active Podiatry offers comprehensive foot and ankle services, including treatment of shin splints. He has two convenient office locations in Indianapolis and Crawfordsville, IN.
What You Need To Know About Shin Splints
Shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome, is a condition caused by overstressing and overworking your muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones. Shin splints can cause these uncomfortable symptoms along the front of your lower leg:
- Sharp, stabbing pain
- Muscle soreness
- Swelling of soft tissue
Shin splints are common among runners and joggers, especially if you have increased your time or distance spent running or jogging. There are several important ways you can help prevent shin splints. Remember to:
- Always wear appropriate footwear for the sport you are doing
- For running, switch out your shoes every 350 to 500 miles
- Wear arch supports if you have fallen arches
- Try lower-impact sports like biking, walking, or swimming
- Increase your exercise intensity gradually, not suddenly
- Strengthen your legs with leg presses and other exercises
- Do leg stretches before exercising, running, or jogging
If you are experiencing mild, occasional pain from shin splints, you can try:
- Placing an ice pack on your lower leg for 15 minutes several times daily
- Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and pain medication
- Resting and taking weight and stress off your legs
For moderate to severe shin splint symptoms, you should visit your podiatrist, who may recommend:
- Prescription-strength anti-inflammatory medication to reduce swelling and pain
- Crutches or other assistive devices to take weight and stress off your legs
Want To Know More?
To find out more about the causes, signs, symptoms, and treatment of shin splints, call Dr. Yong Chae at Active Podiatry. You can reach him in the Indianapolis, and Crawfordsville, IN offices by calling (765) 362-7200, so call today.