Sports Medicine for Your Feet & Ankles: Stay in the Game Without Pain
Foot or ankle pain can take you out of the game fast. Learn how sports medicine keeps you moving, prevents injuries, and helps you recover safely so you can perform at your best.
Stop Shin Splints From Sidelining You this Spring
Whether you’re training for a 5K, joining a recreational sports league, or simply walking more, spring is a popular time to get moving again. As the weather warms up, many people lace up their sneakers and head outdoors, but for many athletes and active adults, shin pain can bring those plans to a halt.
Up to 20% of runners experience shin splints, the most common cause of painful shins. At Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist, we help patients throughout Homer Glen and the surrounding Chicago suburbs overcome foot and ankle injuries — including shin splints — so they can stay active safely.
Shin splints explained
The term shin splints (medical name medial tibial stress syndrome) refers to pain along the front or inner edge of your shinbone (tibia). It usually develops when the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue around the shin become irritated from repetitive stress.
You may notice:
- Dull or aching pain along the shin
- Tenderness to the touch
- Mild swelling
- Pain that worsens during or after activity
At first, the discomfort may come and go. Without treatment, however, it can become constant and more severe.
Why shin splints happen in spring
We often see a spike in shin splints this time of year because after a winter of reduced activity, people suddenly increase their exercise intensity. Your bones and muscles need time to adapt to new stress levels, so if you overdo activity, tissues become inflamed.
Common causes include:
- Increasing mileage or intensity too quickly
- Running on hard surfaces like concrete
- Wearing worn-out or unsupportive shoes
- Flat feet or high arches
- Tight calf muscles
Even experienced runners can develop shin splints if they change their routine too quickly.
How shin splints differ from stress fractures
A stress fracture is a tiny crack in the bone caused by repetitive force. A stress fracture usually causes localized pain in one small spot, while shin splints cause widespread pain along the tibia.
At Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist, we perform a thorough evaluation and may use diagnostic imaging to determine whether you’re dealing with shin splints or stress fractures.
What to do if you have shin pain
The sooner you address shin splints, the better your recovery will be. Here’s what we advise:
1. Rest and modify activity
Take a break from high-impact exercise. You don’t have to stop moving entirely — low-impact activities like swimming or cycling can help you stay active without worsening your symptoms.
2. Ice the area
Apply an ice pack for 15–20 minutes at a time, several times a day. This helps reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
3. Stretch and strengthen
Gentle calf and lower leg stretches improve flexibility. Strengthening exercises support the muscles that protect your shinbone.
4. Evaluate your footwear
Worn-out sneakers lose shock absorption and stability, so supportive shoes make a major difference. In some cases, orthotics (shoe insoles) provide added support and correct underlying alignment issues.
If your shin pain persists for more than a week or worsens despite rest, it’s time to seek professional care.
How we treat shin splints
At Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist, we take a personalized approach because no two patients are exactly alike. We begin with a detailed assessment of your foot structure, gait, activity level, and training habits. Treatments we may recommend include:
- Custom orthotics
- Physical therapy
- Anti-inflammatory treatments
- Activity modification plans
Our goal is not just to relieve your pain but to also address the root cause so the problem doesn’t return.
Preventing shin splints
As with most things, preventing shin splints is often simpler than treating them. To lower your risk:
- Increase activity gradually (no more than 10% per week)
- Replace running shoes every 300–500 miles
- Cross-train to avoid repetitive stress
- Stretch calves and hamstrings regularly
- Strengthen lower leg muscles
- Avoid sudden changes in terrain or intensity
If you have flat feet, high arches, or recurring shin pain, a professional evaluation can identify biomechanical issues before they lead to injury. We offer custom orthotics that correct many of the structural problems that worsen the risk of shin splints.
Don’t push through shin splint pain
It’s tempting to tough it out when you have shin splints, especially if you’re training for an event. But pushing through can lead to more serious problems, including stress fractures.
Spring should feel energizing, not painful. If shin splints slow you down, we’re ready to help you recover safely and return to the activities you love. Call Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist or use the online booking form to request a consultation.
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