Shin Splint Treatment Process
PATIENT EDUCATION
Here are the presentation slides for this condition.
TREATMENT PROCESS
This is my current treatment process for patients with shin splints.
- 1st Visit - Evaluate your condition, review x-rays, and perform a walking evaluation to determine the cause of your condition. Start working to reduce inflammation, reduce tightness, and reduce stress through the front of your leg. We will determine if the cause is from the tendon or a stress fracture.
- 2nd Visit - Will evaluate the initial treatments and if indicated perform an ultrasound examination to evaluate inflammation to shin region to help guide further treatments.
- Shockwave - Most of my patients benefit from a series of 3-6 sessions of shockwave therapy to improve blood flow and recovery of the shin region and attachment of muscles in that region. After these sessions, patients go through a course of 6 weeks of physical therapy.
- Orthotics - Orthotics are useful to stabilize the heel position, help with posture, and reduce excess movement of the foot which can increase stress in the area of the tendon.
- Physical Therapy - After these sessions of shockwave patients go through a course of 6 weeks of physical therapy.
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Daily Rituals: Foam rolling (10 minutes 2x a day), icing (10 minutes 2x a day), anti-inflammatory for 2 weeks at a therapeutic dose (if not doing shockwave), stable shoes, Oofos sandals in the house, and avoid going barefoot.
- Walking Boot - At times a walking boot can be used to rest the injured tendon.
- Brace - At times I recommend an off-loading brace to reduce pressure on the plantar fascia and move the pressure to the lower leg region.
RESOURCES
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Shockwave (EPAT) - Information about shockwave therapy.
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Orthotics - Explanation of how and why orthotics help foot pain.
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Icing and Contrast Bath Instructions - Here is information on how to ice your foot.
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Oofos - Recovery sandals to wear at home for more support.
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Shoe Recommendations - Here is my shoe recommendation.
- Foam Rolling Exercises - Instructional video for foam rolling.
PRODUCTS
Here are some of the best recommendations I have found on Amazon to start treatment before you come in to the office.
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