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 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
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
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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
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
- 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
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
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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
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
- 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
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
- 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
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
- rapid appointment when I needed it and first class service. surgery went very well and recovery so far good with no pain. recommended without reservation.
Jenny
Jenny Wootton
As a foot heath practitioner who has recently attended one of Jonathan’s talks I would refer my patients on to him without reservation should they need specialist input. His lectures are interesting, informative and motivating. I have crossed his path at numerous events where I have listened to him. He instills confidence. 
Liza Clarke
- After knee surgery I experienced ankle problems, a couple of visits to Jonathan has sorted the problem out. Thank you.
Judith Mary
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
- 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
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
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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
Excellent service. The clinic was efficient enough that Jonathan was able to undertake toe surgery on the same day of my first appointment (just minutes after the problem was diagnosed!). The staff were very friendly and informative, and kept me very much at ease during the entire process. I was very appreciative and will be returning if I have any similar problems in the future. Highly recommended!
Joe Miller