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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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
I wouldn't trust anyone else with my foot-care. With severe circulation issues, my feet are comprised - Health First have treated me for 15 years and I highly recommend them.
Angela Navarro
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I was recommended to go and see Jonathan from an excellent local pilates instructor who I trust implicitly, so I knew that the recommendation didn't come lightly. I was not disappointed. Jonathan has been attentive, professional, knowledgeable and provided a very considered solution to my plantar fasciitis. His team are always friendly and helpful - even when I got stuck in traffic and missed my appointment! Highly recommend!
Clare Price
if you have any worries about your feet then this is the place to go. First class service.i was given Jonathan's details after a foot opperation went wrong he has really helped me and made it now that I can get back to my normal life. thank you guys !!!
Carolyn Clayton
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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
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
- I was suffering with quite a complicated situation, both plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendon insertion and they required different treatment. Johnathon expertly explained how he was going to deal with the problem and glad to say that after an intensive course of treatment things have improved.
Di Griffin-Bloxham
I can so recommend this company, their treatments and advice were exemplary and I was made to feel so relaxed and looked after from beginning to end 
Jackie King
- I’ve known Jonathan for quite some time as we share the same passion for feet. Experienced, knowledgeable and motivated. I have no hesitation in recommending his services to anyone in his local area.
Faye At
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
- After running a long-distance ultra marathon, my feet were in poor shape! They got some much-needed TLC (and more sympathy than from my GP!!). Jonathan sorted out a blister that was hidden under another blister and got my feet on the way to healing 😀
Zoe Beale
I've been going to Health First for 10+ years. Both Jonathan and Judy are excellent Foot Doctors with specialisms to help with quirky problems. The reception staff have always been lovely. I have the wax treatment which is both relaxing and really helps my feet
Maria Lucas
- Have been suffering from plantar fasciitis for some time. After treatment and advice from the Foot and Gait Clinic my condition is manageable. Thank you I am now pain free.
Sue Ball
Everything you can think of is available here! 
Jane Vaughan
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Very professional and friendly service - solved my foot problems where many others had failed -highly recomended.
John Newbold
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
Excellent!!! Very professional service, great treatment and aftercare. Definitely recommend. Thanks for fitting me in at short notice too!!
Clare Everest
- Great service and an extremely friendly atmosphere. Lovely people work here.
Liam Alexander
After knee surgery I experienced ankle problems, a couple of visits to Jonathan has sorted the problem out. Thank you. 
Judith Mary