Shin Splints
If you've ever felt a sharp, aching pain along the front or inside of your lower leg while running, hiking, or exercising, you may have experienced shin splints. This common condition affects athletes, runners, active individuals, and even people who spend long hours on their feet. While many people try to simply "push through" the discomfort, shin splints are often a sign that the body is not moving as efficiently as it should.
At Vertical Chiropractic of Redding, we frequently work with patients experiencing lower extremity pain and biomechanical imbalances. Through the Gonstead chiropractic method, we focus on identifying and correcting underlying structural issues that may contribute to shin splints and recurring leg pain.
What Are Shin Splints?
"Shin splints" is the common name for a condition called Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS). It refers to pain and inflammation along the shinbone (tibia), typically occurring on the inside edge of the lower leg.
The discomfort develops when the muscles, tendons, and connective tissues attached to the tibia become irritated due to repetitive stress.
Common symptoms include:
Aching pain along the shinbone
Tenderness or soreness in the lower leg
Pain during or after exercise
Mild swelling in the affected area
Symptoms that worsen with running, jumping, or prolonged activity
Shin splints often start as a mild annoyance but can become increasingly painful if ignored.
What Causes Shin Splints?
Several factors can contribute to the development of shin splints, including:
Overuse and Repetitive Impact
Activities such as running, basketball, soccer, hiking, and high-intensity training place repeated stress on the lower legs. Sudden increases in training volume or intensity can overload the tissues before they have time to adapt.
Poor Biomechanics
The body functions as a kinetic chain. If the feet, ankles, knees, hips, or pelvis are not moving properly, excessive stress can be transferred to the lower leg.
Flat Feet or Fallen Arches
When the arches collapse excessively during walking or running, additional strain is placed on the muscles that stabilize the shin.
Improper Footwear
Worn-out shoes or footwear that does not adequately support the foot can contribute to abnormal mechanics and increased impact forces.
Spinal and Pelvic Imbalances
Many people are surprised to learn that spinal alignment can influence lower leg function. Pelvic imbalance, leg length discrepancies, and altered nerve communication can affect how forces are distributed throughout the body during movement.
Who Gets Shin Splints?
Shin splints are particularly common among:
Runners
Track and field athletes
Basketball players
Soccer players
Military recruits
Hikers
Dancers
Individuals starting a new exercise program
In a physically active community like Redding, California, shin splints are a frequent complaint among people who enjoy outdoor recreation, sports, and fitness activities.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help Shin Splints
Many treatments for shin splints focus solely on the painful area. While ice, rest, and stretching can provide temporary relief, they may not address the underlying cause.
Gonstead chiropractic care takes a different approach by evaluating how the entire body is functioning.
Evaluating the Kinetic Chain
The Gonstead system involves a detailed analysis of the spine and extremities to identify areas of dysfunction that may be contributing to abnormal movement patterns.
If the pelvis is unbalanced, the knees are tracking improperly, or the feet are compensating for spinal misalignments, increased stress may be placed on the lower legs.
Improving Joint Function
Restricted movement in the spine, pelvis, hips, knees, ankles, or feet can alter biomechanics during walking and running.
Specific Gonstead adjustments are designed to restore proper motion to these joints, helping the body move more efficiently.
Reducing Mechanical Stress
When the body is properly aligned, forces are distributed more evenly throughout the musculoskeletal system. This can help reduce excessive strain on the muscles and connective tissues associated with shin splints.
Supporting Better Athletic Performance
Many athletes seek chiropractic care not only for pain relief but also to improve movement quality, balance, and overall function.
When joints move properly and the nervous system functions optimally, athletes often experience improved mobility and performance.
The Gonstead Difference
The Gonstead Method is known for its precise and thorough approach to chiropractic care. Rather than applying generalized treatments, Gonstead chiropractors perform detailed evaluations to determine exactly where correction is needed.
This may include:
Postural analysis
Motion palpation
Static palpation
Instrumentation
X-ray analysis when clinically necessary
The goal is to locate the root cause of dysfunction and provide a specific adjustment tailored to the individual patient.
Additional Tips for Managing Shin Splints
While chiropractic care can help address biomechanical factors, patients may also benefit from:
Gradually increasing training intensity
Wearing supportive footwear
Stretching the calves and lower leg muscles
Strengthening the feet and hips
Allowing adequate recovery between workouts
Using proper running mechanics
Combining these strategies with corrective chiropractic care often provides the best results.
Find Shin Splint Relief in Redding, California
If shin splints are limiting your ability to run, exercise, hike, or enjoy your favorite activities, it may be time to look beyond the symptoms and address the underlying cause.
At Vertical Chiropractic of Redding, we use the Gonstead chiropractic technique to evaluate spinal and extremity function, helping patients improve movement patterns and reduce unnecessary stress throughout the body.
Whether you're a competitive athlete, weekend warrior, or someone simply looking to stay active, chiropractic care may be an important part of your recovery and long-term performance.
If you're dealing with shin splints in Redding, California, contact Vertical Chiropractic today to learn how Gonstead chiropractic care can help keep you moving at your best.
