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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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
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
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Excellent service. I am so pleased with the help, advice and treatment recieved. Many thanks
Jackie Dewdney
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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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
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
- 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
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 have received first class treatment and my foot is feeling less painful especially after the
laser treatment I had on it.
Mary Richardson
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
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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
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
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Thank you to Jonathan for taking the time to share your knowledge and experience with me. Five stars! Thanks a bunch!
Hannah Krepski
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
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They have always been helpful, professional, courteous and caring
John Veasey
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
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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
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
- 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!!! Very professional service, great treatment and aftercare. Definitely recommend. Thanks for fitting me in at short notice too!!
Clare Everest