Last Updated on April 3, 2024
Shin splints are a painful stress syndrome that develops along the region where muscles attach to the tibia or shin bone. Shin splints are characterized as painful aching or burning pain along either edge of the shin bone.
What Causes Shin Splints?
Shin splints are often the result of overuse of the leg muscles. Cold weather, little or no warm up or a lack of stretching can all contribute to the development of shin splints.
Structurally, fallen arches, over pronation, and muscle imbalance are all factors that can influence the development of shin splints. Correcting these imbalances is an important component of lasting relief.
Improper footwear is also an important consideration. Not replacing shoes frequently enough and not being properly fitted for your shoes are both common contributors to shin splints.
How Does Acupuncture Treat Shin Splints?
We begin our treatment with an evaluation of the posture and position of the ankle, feet and knees to see if there are structural factors contributing to the pain.
Acupuncture, moxibustion and manual techniques are used to improve the blood circulation over the inflamed connective tissue. These techniques also reduce pain locally and improve the healing of the tissue.
The acupuncture technique for shin splints is quite gentle as the tissue is often very sensitive to light pressure.