Shin splints Overview
Shin splints, medically known as medial tibial stress syndrome, is a common condition characterized by pain along the inner edge of the shinbone (tibia). It typically occurs as a result of repetitive stress on the shinbone and surrounding tissues, often seen in athletes or individuals who engage in high-impact activities such as running, dancing, or jumping. Shin splints can cause discomfort, tenderness, and swelling along the shinbone, making it challenging to continue with physical activities. At Empire Pain Management, Minimally Invasive Spine & Orthopedic Specialists, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of shin splints, offering comprehensive care to alleviate symptoms and promote healing. When you experience shin splints, it can significantly impact your ability to participate in sports or activities that involve lower body movement, leading to functional limitations and decreased performance. Our team of orthopedic specialists begins the evaluation process with a thorough assessment of your medical history, followed by a physical examination and may utilize imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI to rule out other potential causes of your symptoms.
Treatment options for Shin splints at Empire Pain Management, Minimally Invasive Spine & Orthopedic Specialists may include:
- Rest and activity modification: We may recommend temporary cessation or modification of activities that exacerbate symptoms, such as running or jumping, to allow the shinbone to rest and heal.
- Ice therapy: Applying ice packs to the affected area can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with shin splints, providing symptomatic relief.
- Stretching and strengthening exercises: Our experienced physical therapists design specialized rehabilitation programs focused on stretching tight muscles, strengthening weak muscles, and improving biomechanics to alleviate stress on the shinbone and surrounding tissues.
- Orthotics: We offer custom orthotic devices or shoe inserts to provide support and cushioning to the foot, correct biomechanical issues, and reduce strain on the shinbone during physical activities.
- Footwear evaluation: We assess your footwear and may recommend proper footwear with adequate support and shock absorption to minimize stress on the shins and reduce the risk of recurrence.
- Gradual return to activity: Once symptoms have resolved, we provide guidance on a gradual return to activity, including proper warm-up, cool-down, and pacing to prevent re-injury.
Meet Our Team Of Doctors
Dr. James Yu
Board Certified Anesthesiologist
Board Certified Interventional
Pain Management Physician
Dylan J. O'Rourke
Certified Physician Assistant
Pain Condition We Treat
Improve your quality of life with our comprehensive approach to pain management
We are dedicated to finding individualized treatment options tailored to fit your needs. Our team is dedicated to helping you lead a productive and active life, free from pain and disruption.
We use an integrative approach to conduct a comprehensive evaluation and assess your condition.
Physical examination and review of your medical history. We assess the cause of your pain, determine its severity and duration, and help you develop an individualized treatment plan.
We provide a range of treatments and procedures to address your chronic pain. These include nerve blocks, injections, physical therapy, implantable therapies and more. We also offer health education to help you better manage your condition.