What Are Shin Splints?
Shin splints occur when the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue around the tibia become inflamed due to overuse or sudden increases in activity. Shin splints are usually linked to activities that involve high-impact, repetitive movements, particularly on hard surfaces.
Symptoms of Shin Splints
Common symptoms of shin splints include:
- Pain and Tenderness: Dull, aching pain along the inner shin that may worsen during or after exercise.
- Swelling: Mild swelling in the shin area, particularly along the inner edge of the tibia.
- Sensitivity to Touch: The affected area may feel tender or sore to the touch, especially after high-impact activities.
Causes & Risk Factors
The primary cause of shin splints is overuse, but several factors can increase the risk, such as:
- Improper Footwear: Wearing unsupportive or worn-out shoes can put excess strain on the legs and shins.
- Flat Feet or sub-optimal foot function: Foot mechanics, such as excessive inward rolling of the foot, can lead to additional stress on the shinbone.
- Training on Hard Surfaces: Running or exercising on hard surfaces, like concrete, can intensify the impact on the legs.
- Sudden Increase in Physical Activity: Jumping into a more intensive exercise routine without gradual build-up can increase risk.
Treatment Options for Shin Splints
Shin splints can often be managed effectively with a combination of conservative therapies and lifestyle adjustments. Our approach at Health First Foot and Gait Clinic includes:
- Rest and Ice Application: Taking a break from high-impact activities and applying ice can alleviate inflammation and pain.
- Orthotics and Supportive Footwear: Properly fitted shoes and functional foot orthoses (orthotics) help to alter forces going through the shins and provide the necessary foot support.
- Strengthening Exercises: Targeted exercises to strengthen the lower leg muscles reduce stress on the tibia and help prevent further injury.
- Gradual Training Adjustments: Adjusting your training plan to build up activity gradually helps your body adapt safely to higher impact levels.
- Laser or Shockwave Therapy: Can aid speedy recovery for stubborn conditions through stimulating healing.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you experience persistent shin pain that doesn’t improve with rest, or if the pain interferes with daily activities, it’s essential to consult a specialist. Early intervention can help prevent the condition from worsening, allowing for a quicker return to activity.
At Health First Foot and Gait Clinic, our experienced podiatrists provide thorough assessments and personalised care to address shin splints and other lower limb concerns. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and explore effective treatments tailored to your needs.
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I had an issue with an ingrown toenail, which was very painful. Jonathan was a star in performing the nail surgery. My foot is now on the road to recovery and I couldn’t be any happier. Highly recommend coming here with any foot problems!
Angelika Price
I experienced a very accurate diagnosis. Treatment was good and the pain is easing very nicely. Greeted by a pleasant lady on reception and advised of the need to follow PPE. Met with Jonathan who is very friendly and professional just as you would expect. Highly recommend him to help solve your feet/foot problems. John Dewar
- As an owner of 3 dogs I’m pretty much on my feet the whole time. However, walking became very painful because of my feet. The culprits were seed corns and awful cracked heels on both feet. Jonathan was excellent at carrying out very effective treatment and advising on an aftercare/maintenance routine. My feet now look and feel so much better and I’m pain free!
Lorelle Horn
Friendly efficient service. Jonathan is very professional and ensured treatments were booked conveniently and were conducted brilliantly. Solved my verucca after many years of unsuccessful home remedies. Sarah Wilson
- Jonathan is great - passionate, knowledgeable and dedicated to getting people’s foot problems sorted.
I had the pleasure of helping him recently with promotion material for a podshealheels and he delivered a superb lecture to a group of patients and professionals.
Dave James
My 15 year old son had an ingrown toenail which was very painful. We were able to see Jonathan very quickly who explained everything really clearly, he advised minor surgery to remove part of the nail and said he could do the procedure there and then. The procedure was carried out professionally and with every care for my son. I would highly recommend Jonathan and his clinic. Excellent aftercare also. Thanks so much. Karen Grant
- Jonathan Small and his team have been excellent. A person centred, straight forward approach and really genuine team. I had been told by NHS and other podiatrists that the healing after ingrowing toe nail would take up to 12 weeks yet after the surgery at Health First Foot, it has completely healed in just over 3 weeks. Going privately was one of the best investments I've made. Thank you Health First !
Nikki Jackson
Jonathon looked after my mum's feet for a number of years and despite her being a difficult patient at the best of times especially after her stroke he was never anything but cheerful and polite. I was always very grateful for the way he looked after mum and I would highly recommend his services.
David Buchholz
- Great service and an extremely friendly atmosphere. Lovely people work here.
Liam Alexander
I have been seeing Jonathan for over 20 years. He did a wonderful job to get me from hobbling around a golf course, barely able to finish a round, to fully engaging in a range of sports and activities I thought were beyond me for good. I continue to use his services when worn-out orthotics need replacing. He is a consummate professional and a very friendly, decent guy to boot. He is well supported by his excellent reception team. I thoroughly recommend Health First to anyone looking for a top quality foot care service and am happy to vouch in person if anyone cares to get in touch.
Andrew Hall
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Excellent treatments fully recommend. Jonathon is very professional and knows what he is doing. Very experienced and takes into account your needs. I am currently relaxing with a hot wax treatment.
Valerie Jukes
Last night I attended a talk by Jonathan on diabetes. What an amazing resource of knowledge the local NHS has lost by no longer employing him. But thankfully we still have his private practice in Warwickshire and I will be referring all my diabetic patients to find out their level of risk. Thanks Jonathan for a very interesting evening you should do more talks to spread the word about diabetes to other FHPs. Chris Nock
- Jonathan Small has been treating me for a range of foot and gait problems for a number of
Years including plantar fasciitis, Morton’s neuromas and joint hypermobility. As well as physical
Treatment he has supplied me with various orthotics which have really helped me keep
Mobile and reasonably fit. I am undergoing treatment at the moment and I fully expect that
Jonathan will be as successful as he has been in the past. All the staff at Health First are
Friendly and helpful.
Pam Alexander
A great practice. Have been using for the past 5 years and always have excellent service. Very friendly and helpful staff. My feet are in great shape
Emily Harris
- 100% recommendation. I walked in with significant foot pain and walked out strapped up and reasonably pain free. The initial consultation was delivered with expert knowledge, professionalism and clearly explained diagnosis and treatment plan.
I had attended another foot clinic for a diagnosis but my instinct told me to walk away and consider their treatment proposal and seek another opinion. I felt disappointed that I had no immediate temporary solution to reduce constant foot pain..
I was then recommended to contact Jonathan and the rest is history. His manner and professionalism exceeds, not only am I working towards pain free walking I know I have the confidence in approaching a clear expert. Thank you Jonathan and your team. I have already recommended.
Helen Keast
They have always been helpful, professional, courteous and caring
John Veasey
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Aaliyah Rus
Jonathan is an inspirational Podiatrist.
Having attended several courses that have been run by Jonathan and having been lucky enough to have heard him speak at multiple professional events, my knowledge has increased dramatically, as has my love for Podiatry.
A true gentleman and a fabulous educator. Sarah Byrne
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I made an appointment with Jonathan at the Health First Clinic in Southam, as recommended by Vicki Cooper. It sounded like I had too many issues for Vicki to deal with. I turned up asking for help with removing verrucas that had been there for years and help with an ingrown toenail, that although had been removed and treated, had grown back. I was astounded at Jonathan’s knowledge, and it turns out I was given completely the wrong advice, and treatment, by two other Podiatrists🤬😞. He gave me all instructions and options I didn’t know about, on how to remove the Verrucas, and it turns out my ingrown toenail wasn’t ingrown at all and so was removed and treated for no reason🤦♀️. Note to self, DON’T trust just anyone, trust THE BEST. Thanks to Jonathan and his team at Health First, I now look very differently at my feet. 👍😊
Sonia Hargreaves
Knowing Jonathan as a fellow podiatrist. He has a special gift in delivering information and motivating people, which is amazing. I have attended a number of his courses and talks, where he shares his knowledge and skills. An inspirational podiatrist! Lynda Cowan