logoPhysical Therapy Associates
 of Schenectady, P.C.
Injury Prevention Tips and News

Visit us on the web:


Join Our List
Join Our Mailing List
 

Did you know, the most common bio-mechanical inefficiency associated with shin splints is that of flat feet? Flat feet leads to over pronation. Pronation occurs just after the heel hits the ground. The foot flattens out and continues to roll inward. Over-pronation causes the lower leg to twist and over stretch the muscles attached to the tibia. 
   Office Locations
 
Schenectady
1533 Union Street
Schenectady, NY 12309
(518) 381-9166
 
Scotia/Glenville
42 Saratoga Rd.
Glenville,NY 12302
(518) 399-6861
 
Rotterdam/Guilderland
3434 Carman Rd.
Schenectady, NY 12303
(518) 356-7445
 
Clifton Park
17 Halfmoon Executive  Park  Dr.
Clifton Park, NY 12065
(518) 371-6777
 
Latham
1182 Troy Schenectady Rd
Suite LL02
Latham, NY 12110
(518)220-9705
 
Troy
1 Conway Court
Troy, NY 12180
(518) 273-2715
 
West Sand Lake
43 Mall
West Sand Lake, NY 12196
(518) 674-1744   
Amsterdam
178 Clizbe Ave 
Amsterdam, NY 12010
(518) 842-1425
 
Tamarac
Tamarac Plaza
PO Box 118
3991 State Rte. 2
Cropseyville, NY 12052
(518) 279-4610

Ballston Spa
220 Church Ave.
Ballston Spa, NY 12020
(518) 885-1541


 
Hand Therapy at Guilderland Accepting New Patients
 
 
Located within our Rotterdam/Guilderland office is Hand Therapy at Guilderland. Sheryl Sturn OTR/L, CHT is available for all hand therapy needs.
 
Call 630-6167
to schedule an appointment.

 

 
  July/August 2011 
Physical Therapy for Shin Splints    

 

  What are shin splints?

 

   Shin splints is a common term that refers to pain along or slightly behind the shin (Tibia). Shin splints or Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome are common complaints in runners and athletes who participate in sports that involve a lot of sudden starts and stops. This condition is usually a result of over loading of the muscles of the lower legs or from bio-mechanical problems in the foot or lower leg.

     Several of the muscles in the lower leg can be a cause of shin splint pain. It is believed that inflammation of these muscles as well as continued trauma from over training causes the pain. The muscles of the lower leg that are often involved include the Gastrocniemus, Anterior Tibialis, Posterior Tibialis, and Soleus.  

 

How are Shin Splints Diagnosed?

 

Shin Splints are usually diagnosed during the examination and based on patient history. Tenderness along the muscles of the anterior leg can be a telling sign but is not exclusive to shin splints. More testing (MRI, Bone Scan, or X-Rays) may be necessary if the diagnosis is unclear or to rule out a stress fracture)

 

Treatment of Shin Splints

Current trends for treatment includes a multifaceted approach of relative rest since complete rest is usually very difficult for athletes to do. This approach may include bicycling to maintain cardiovascular fitness, ice packs, anti-inflammatory meds, ace wrapping for support, calf and anterior shin stretching and strengthening. A gradual re-introduction into running can begin when symptoms have resolved. It is recommended that running begin on a soft level terrain,  distance and pace reduced 50% compared to pre-injury levels. Distance is gradually increased first followed by increased pace.

 

Please keep in mind that the extent of the injury and the level of pre-injury activity play a key role in determining treatment duration.   

 

We Want To Hear From You 
We want our newsletter to be specific to the needs of our clients. We would like your help to do this. Please feel free to email any requests for specific topics to be addressed or questions you might have regarding physical therapy and we will do our best to address them in upcoming newsletters. Email requests to ptrotterdam@aol.com attn. Kevin.

  
Tip of the Month
Exercises for Shin Splints
The exercises below can be used in the treatment and/or prevention of shin splints. Please consult with your doctor or Physical Therapist before attempting these exercises.   

Soleus Stretch

 

Stand upright and place the ball of your foot onto a step or raised object. Bend your knee and lean forward until a stretch is felt in the lower calf. Hold for up to 30 seconds. Repeat 3-5 times and do this 2-3 times per day.

 

Wall Toe Raises (Strengthening)

 

Stand with your back leaning against a wall. Keep your heels on the floor and raise your toes upwards toward your shin.Hold for 3-5 seconds and perform 2 sets of 10 to start. Progress to 3 sets of 10 2 times per day.  
 







 

Anterior Lower Leg Stretch
 

 

Stand with your toes of one foot on the floor on the outside of your other foot as shown. Bend the weight bearing leg to push your other ankle towards the ground as shown in picture on the left. Hold for up to 30 seconds and repeat 3-5 times 2 times per day.