Shin splints disrupt athletic training and are very painful. They occur due to an imbalance between the anterior and posterior tibialis muscles. When a person walks, the anterior tibialis is contracting to ease the foot down after the heel strikes. After heel strike, as the foot pronates, posterior tibialis must take over and aid with toe-off. These muscles must coordinate their actions for a smooth gait. If one fires a fraction of a second later than the other, it is essentially "torn" away from the bone in what is called microavulsion. This results in a great deal of pain for days after the injury. Depending on which side the microavulsion occurs on, pain may be felt on the front or back of the shin.
Finding the cause requires astute investigation. Insufficient warm-up or running in sand are just a couple simple causes. More complicated cases may be due to anatomical misalignments of the foot, knees, pelvis, or ankle. (or any combination thereof) Extensive sitting can also compress the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae, making the nerve pathway between them smaller and inhibiting the muscles by pinching the nerve. Basically, the whole kinematic chain from head to toe must be examined in difficult cases.
Acute treatment should include mild massage toward the heart, including ice massage, if severe. Rest is important after a flare-up. Essential Fatty Acids (cod liver oil) should be consumed to help with inflammation. Consistent and regular stretching is not only therapeutic, but preventive when executed prior to a race. I have two favorites that I recommend to patients. First, prop up your foot against a wall, keeping your leg straight, then gently lean forward. A stretch should be felt deep within the calf. Next, put the back of your toes on the floor and gently press the ankle forward. A stretch should be felt in front near the shin.
The best diagnosis will be achieved after a manual muscle testing of the involved muscles, gait visualization, neurological testing, and shoe inspection. Chiropractic medicine is the best for addressing the spinal issues commonly responsible for the timing problem. Professional applied kinesiologists will be the best manual muscle testers and when combined with chiropractic, offer the fastest and most permanent results. If you would like more information on professional applied kinesiology, visit the International College of Applied Kinesiology online.
After the muscles, spine, and shoes are properly adjusted, warm-up alone should be enough to prevent recurrence. Swelling and extreme redness may indicate a more serious problem; see your medical doctor immediately.
Finding the cause requires astute investigation. Insufficient warm-up or running in sand are just a couple simple causes. More complicated cases may be due to anatomical misalignments of the foot, knees, pelvis, or ankle. (or any combination thereof) Extensive sitting can also compress the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae, making the nerve pathway between them smaller and inhibiting the muscles by pinching the nerve. Basically, the whole kinematic chain from head to toe must be examined in difficult cases.
Acute treatment should include mild massage toward the heart, including ice massage, if severe. Rest is important after a flare-up. Essential Fatty Acids (cod liver oil) should be consumed to help with inflammation. Consistent and regular stretching is not only therapeutic, but preventive when executed prior to a race. I have two favorites that I recommend to patients. First, prop up your foot against a wall, keeping your leg straight, then gently lean forward. A stretch should be felt deep within the calf. Next, put the back of your toes on the floor and gently press the ankle forward. A stretch should be felt in front near the shin.
The best diagnosis will be achieved after a manual muscle testing of the involved muscles, gait visualization, neurological testing, and shoe inspection. Chiropractic medicine is the best for addressing the spinal issues commonly responsible for the timing problem. Professional applied kinesiologists will be the best manual muscle testers and when combined with chiropractic, offer the fastest and most permanent results. If you would like more information on professional applied kinesiology, visit the International College of Applied Kinesiology online.
After the muscles, spine, and shoes are properly adjusted, warm-up alone should be enough to prevent recurrence. Swelling and extreme redness may indicate a more serious problem; see your medical doctor immediately.
About the Author:
Charles Leahy writes about all things regarding health and wellness. For help with shin splints or to meet the doctors trained in Professional Applied Kinesiology, visit Glen Ellyn Applied Kinesiology.
No comments:
Post a Comment