Shin Splint Taping Techniques
Shin splints are a painful condition where pain runs along the tibia, also called the shin. The pain can be on the sides, front or deep in the back of the leg under the muscle. Shin splints are a common chronic injury that results from jarring overuse such as long distance running, jumping and sports on hard surfaces such as tennis or basketball. Taping may reduce the pain of minor cases of shin splints.-
Lateral Pain Taping
-
This method is for pain on the sides of the shin. Start at the front of the ankle. Wrap the tape to the inside of the ankle and around the back. The tape should ascend the leg at a 45 degree angle up to the mid calf. Cut the tape and repeat four times with each wrap overlapping the previous wrap slightly.
Anterior Pain Taping
-
This method is for pain in the front of the shin. This method is the same as with lateral pain taping in Section 1 except the wrap goes in the opposite direction. So once again start at the front of the ankle going around the back of the ankle to the outside, ascending the leg at a 45 degree angle. Do this four times, slightly overlapping the tape.
Longitudinal Arch Taping
-
This method of taping helps to reduce the stress on the shin by aiding support to the foot arch. Start at the top of the foot just below the toes. Place the tape near the big toe and wrap outward toward the baby toe and continuing under the foot. Finish on the start point and cut the tape. Repeat four times, working up the foot toward the ankle, slightly overlapping the tape.
Combination Taping
-
It is common for shin splints to affect more than one section of the shin. If this is the case, lateral pain taping and anterior pain taping can be combined. The combination method alternates inward and outward, totaling four wraps. This method may add longitudinal arch taping to further support the leg and reduce pain and swelling.
-