Physical Therapy for Shin Splints and Tendonitis

Shin splints and tendonitis are two common conditions that occur among runners, basketball players and other athletes who do a lot of running and jumping. These lower leg injuries result from overuse of the shinbone or tibia and the fibula, the bones that run from your knee to your ankle. With shin splints and tendonitis, pain and inflammation occur in either the lower leg or foot. Physical therapy is typically used as a treatment for remedying shin splints and tendonitis.

Causes of Shin Splints

• When you feel a dull, aching pain along your shinbone, chances are you have a shin splint. If the pain runs down the front of your shinbone you likely have an anterior shin splint; if you have a posterior shin splint, the pain will run along the inside edge of your leg. Shin splints often occur if you are not doing enough stretching exercises before a workout. Over-training and repeated foot movements can also cause a shin splint. People who start a running program wearing poorly fitting shoes and those who exercise on concrete or a similar surface that is hard on the legs and feet can also experience shin splints.

Causes of Tendonitis

• An inflamed tendon is known as tendonitis. Tendons are fibers that connect your muscles to your bones. The largest tendons are found in the leg, which is why the hip, knee, ankle and shin are more vulnerable to tendonitis. Other areas where tendonitis often occurs are the elbow, shoulder, biceps and wrist. Like shin splints, tendonitis is a result of overusing a joint or not stretching properly before activity. The area where tendonitis occurs is tender to the touch, and you may feel pain and stiffness.

Types of Physical Therapy

• Treatment for shin splints and tendonitis often involves various types of physical therapy. Electrical stimulation and ultrasound treatment with a topical steroid medicine applied can help reduce tendonitis inflammation and shin splints pain. Deep tissue massage is also effective.

  A physical therapist may teach you stretching exercises performed with support equipment, such as a footballer. These target your calf, knee and lower leg muscles.

  Since poor posture can lead to shin splints and tendonitis, your physical therapist may also look at your body alignment, particularly the arch of your foot. She may recommend foot orthotics or shock-absorbing footwear, as well as changes in your training schedule and routine.

  Exercises to enhance the strength, flexibility and functionality of your tendon can also be part of a tendonitis treatment plan. Your physical therapist may fit you with a customized brace, cast or splint to allow your tendons to heal.

  For both shin splints and tendonitis, expect to put your normal workouts or sports activities on hold for about four weeks or until your pain and inflammation subside.