Shin splints are an injury that can often affect new runners. It can arise when running long distances at a high speed without gradual preparation. Proper treatment from a qualified podiatrist can offer relief from shin splints and help prevent them from reoccurring. Here are ways a podiatrist can help treat shin splints:
Diagnosing Shin Splints
A qualified podiatrist can help diagnose shin splints by doing a physical examination and a thorough medical history explanation. They can then perform gait analysis to identify shin splints by watching a patient’s movements. Testing for shin splints can help rule out other causes, such as sprains, fractures, or tendonitis.
Applying Ice
Podiatrists can make sure you apply ice on the front part of your legs to lower swelling and pain. The practitioners can recommend the length of time of application necessary to treat the shin splints. They may access alternatives like cooling topical analgesics, enabling faster cooling and on-the-go pain relief to help during workouts.
Prescribing Orthotics
A foot specialist may prescribe appropriate orthotics for treating shin splints, depending on your medical concerns. The specialist may consider the symptoms, posture correction, and the paining areas in your feet when administering orthotics treatment. Skilled podiatrists may ask questions that help them clearly understand your needs when distributing orthotics. You can use soft orthotic devices to absorb shock, enhance balance, and remove pressure from sore spots. Athletes can go for semirigid orthotics that give them dynamic balance on their feet while participating in sports.
Experienced specialists may help you identify footwear brands having built-in podiatrist-designed orthotics to help improve your comfort levels. The orthotics also help lower the pain caused by shin splints. A foot doctor can recommend shoes depending on your foot structure and gait to avoid or treat shin splints.
Administering Medication
Podiatrists can administer nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication to lower the pain caused by shin splints. They may recommend the appropriate pain cream for temporary pain relief in the leg muscles. A foot specialist may have access to conservative treatment tools such as wraps for enhancing blood flow in the area affected by the shin splints.
Skilled podiatrists can take you through treatment processes like the fit and mold. They can place your feet in the correct position for proper alignment before making a cast serving as a mold of your foot’s structure. A specialist makes minor changes to the cast to enhance your comfort and balance. They can use a range of materials, including carbon fiber, copolymer, and polypropylene, to fabricate the right orthotics for you. A podiatrist can help you find the right tools to create comfortable and efficient orthotics.
Developing a Stretching Plan
A podiatrist can help you develop a stretching plan to prevent tight tendons and muscle atrophy, which can cause shin splints. Stretching plans may work by increasing the elasticity of your tendons to make you more comfortable during workouts. Consult a specialist when stretching to help avoid tight tendons, such as the Achilles tendon, when working out. Podiatrists may help you avoid recurring shin splints.
Find a Podiatrist Today
A qualified podiatrist can help you treat and prevent injuries by diagnosing them, administering the proper medication, and helping you develop an appropriate stretching plan. The podiatrist may help identify the best orthotic solutions and appropriate shoes to help treat or prevent shin splints. Podiatrists can use imaging technologies like X-rays that help them understand your orthotic requirements. When identifying the appropriate remedy for shin splints, a qualified practitioner considers unique aspects like your occupation and medical history. Contact a qualified podiatrist today for shin splint prevention and treatment.
