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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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
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
- 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
Great service and an extremely friendly atmosphere. Lovely people work here. Liam Alexander
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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
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
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Excellent experience at the Health First Foot Clinic. I went with a long term problem with my foot which I had self diagnosed incorrectly as a sprained ankle. My injury was assessed and diagnosed and I had a course of treatment . The treatment was further complicated by recent knee replacement but Jonathan continued to find ways to make the treatment work allowing for my recovering knee .I am pleased to say my injury is almost fully recovered which wouldn't have happened if I hadn't gone and they hadn't been so patient . Very happy with the diagnosis and treatment .
The Pet
Thank you Jonathan for inviting me along to your Dynamic & Disasters of The Diabetic Foot seminar and thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge. For anyone who has been diagnosed as diabetic I would urge you to visit Jonathan for a comprehensive diabetic foot assessment. You only have one pair of feet so treat them with respect and they will last a lifetime. I look forward to working with you on our quest to treat and educate on foot health. Kind regards - Debbie Hewitt, Foot Health Practitioner (Rugby) Debbie Hewitt
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Couldn't be more thankful for the quick and friendly service. I needed help fast (I couldn't wait 2-3 months for nail surgery on the NHS) and Jonathan sorted me out just three days after I phoned to enquire. I felt very confident and relaxed in Health First. Thank you all!
Amy Duffin
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
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Excellent service. I am so pleased with the help, advice and treatment recieved. Many thanks
Jackie Dewdney
I have had persistent pain with my toenails for years, but did not know the cause of the problem.
Previous visits to a different podiatrist left me with no answers! After researching local podiatrists I found that Health First came highly recommended.
Mr Small quickly found out the cause of my problem and recommended the best treatment options.
The staff were all very friendly and made me feel welcome. All very professional.
I cannot recommend them enough to anyone! Will be going back for my follow up treatment in the new year. Millie Hefferan
- 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
Absolutely great, two big toes up! Gary Shaw
- Excellent well informed professional service. Treatment options discussed, and every effort made to deliver appropriate care promptly.
Thank you to Jonathan and the team.
Carol Brewer
hi everyone
I've been battling with planter fasciitis in my heel for 15 months, Jonathan small was highly recommended. I got no such luck from my doctor. I give these a ring and got me in straight away. Met Jonathan had a brief chat the knowledge and information given was very helpful put me on a 6 week course and my foot is the best its been in a long time.
From start to finish my experience was great. highly recommend Jonathan and his staff all very friendly. Cheryl Higgins
- Jonathan is very helpful and knowledgeable, he has looked after my feet over the years and I trust him completely. He is always polite, kind and considerate
Tracey Bianciardi
A caring and professional service backed up by experience. I had tried every over the counter cure and a few dodgy ones from the internet for my persistent verucca with no luck. Jonathan brought all of his extensive knowledge to bear and now it is gone. I felt confident that my best interests were at the heart of any treatments and that I was in safe, professional hands at all times. Highly recommended. Evelyn Baxter
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Mr Small and team provided a really excellent service for my elderly mother and kept her on her feet, mobile and active for the two years she lived near Southam, thank you very much!
Charlotte Gath
I visited Jonathan with terrible foot pain, he diagnosed it as plantar fasciitis after a full check and I was given sets of exercises to heal my foot, I have just left after my third visit and the pain has all but gone, I found Jonathan and Kate very friendly, would and have recommend to others, Thank you.👣 Paul Fogg