Can a chiropractor treat shin splints?

If your shins ache and throb after your daily walk or jog in the park, you could be dealing with shin splints.

This is quite common among those who work out a fair bit every day. And the activity “triggering” this need not be intense. Walking, jogging, or jumping ropes–can all cause that burning sensation around the shins.

In most cases, this pain tends to stop with rest. But for some people, shin splints occur as a continuous pain–even after all activity has stopped.

Either way, shin splints can be debilitating or downright painful to deal with.

What causes shin splints and how can chiropractic be your solution? Have a look below-

Understanding shin splints

“Shin splints” basically refers to pain along the tibia/shin bone–the large bone in the front of the lower leg. This is usually caused by the inflammation of the muscles, tissues, and tendons around the tibia.

In most cases, shin splints are an “exercise problem”. It typically occurs when one starts a fitness routine–or suddenly intensifies the existing routine. Although overactivity is a big cause of shin splints, it is not the only one.

Some factors that may contribute to shin splints include-

• Incorrect or damaged footwear

• Flat feet or rigid arches

• Not warming up before exercises

• Jogging or walking on hard surfaces–like concrete

• Insufficient rest and break time

• Poor posture or running form

• Tight calf muscles

• Misalignments in the spine

The pain associated with shin splints usually goes down with rest. Slow things down, apply some ice, get good footwear–and just give yourself some time to heal.

But if you are facing chronic symptoms and are unable to work out at all–please do not try and push yourself through it. Chiropractic care can be your natural way out of this problem.

Chiropractic care for shin splints

In my office, the goal of treatment will be to identify and treat the root of the problem.

Spinal analysis, in particular, will be key. Because the musculoskeletal system facilitates the entire body, adjustments to the spine are often effective in addressing the problems in other body parts. And one big cause behind shin splints–has been a misaligned spine.

Misalignments at the hip or pelvic region often cause the tibia to shift and compensate. And when the tibia shifts forward, there is irritation in the muscle and fascia. Correcting your spine will thus be priority number one.

I will also look into shifts at the knee and ankle complex, that may be caused by a misaligned tibia. Adjusting the tibia back to neutral with the fibula bone–often reduces fascial irritation and relieves the symptoms associated with shin splints.

With gentle adjustments, I can help relieve pain, reduce joint dysfunction, and restore motion to the affected area. I may also walk you through some stretches or workout recommendations–to lower the chances of shin splints down the road. Your treatment will be entirely natural, gentle, and focused on holistic healing.

Got any concerns? Do not hesitate to send us a word. At Lotus Chiropractic Care, Dr. Tanvi Desai will assess your condition and guide you through the right treatment plan.