Shin Splints

Shin splints are a common but painful condition mostly associated with runners. At Coast Spine and Sports Medicine, we offer personalized treatment plans to relieve your pain and help your injury heal as quickly and safely as possible. We welcome patients in Orange County, Los Angeles County and Inland Empire.

What Are Shin Splints?

Shin SplintsShin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome, refers to pain at the inner edge of the tibia or shinbone, usually as a result of physical activity. Any type of vigorous activity can cause shin splints, including sports, but it’s most heavily associated with running.

Shin splints is the result of inflammation of the bone tissue, tendons, and/or muscle around the tibia. In most cases, pain is felt where the muscles attach to the bone at the tibia’s inner border.

This condition can feel like a stress fracture but it usually feels like more generalized pain without a specific area of sharp pain. While a stress fracture feels better in the morning after the bone has rested, shin splints feel worse when you attempt to lift your foot upward at the ankle. Shin splints can also feel like tendonitis, or inflammation of the tendon.

How Much Does Shin Splints Treatment Cost in Orange County, CA?

The cost to treat shin splints in the Los Angeles County area depends on factors such as the severity and cause of the condition. During your first appointment at Coast Spine and Sports Medicine, we will tailor a treatment plan to your needs and review the cost of your care. We accept many forms of insurance and financing through CareCredit® to make your treatment as affordable as possible.

What Causes Shin Splints?

Shin splints usually happen when bone tissue or periosteum and muscle are overworked due to repetitive activity. This usually happens when there is a sudden change in physical activity, including a change in intensity or frequency. Exercising with improper footwear or having either flat feet or very high arches can also increase the risk.

Runners have a very high risk of developing shin splints as well as military members and dancers. Among new runners, shin splints are the most common injury.

What Shin Splints Treatment Options Do You Offer in Orange County?

Shin splints can usually be treated with conservative measures. All running and exercise should be cut back. The shin can be iced to reduce pain. Gentle exercises can also help relieve pain and strengthen the muscle. Special orthotics and supportive shoes can speed recovery from shin splints and reduce the risk that this condition will develop again.

Fortunately, shin splints rarely require surgery. When it is required, two potential surgical options include fasciotomy and periosteal stripping. The first method involves making cuts to the fascia tissue around the calf muscle to relief pain when fascia damage is responsible for shin pain. Periosteal stripping involves removing a portion of the connective tissue over the tibia when periostitis (inflammation of the periosteum tissue) causes the pain.

If you are dealing with the pain of shin splints and your pain has not improved after rest, call us to schedule your initial appointment at Coast Spine and Sports Medicine. We welcome men and women in Los Angeles County and Orange County with tailored treatments.