Shin splints is commonly the term related to general pain in the shins. It’s a typical condition in field sports and running alike. Shin splints are generally caused by overuse of the tibialis anterior muscle, which is the muscle responsible for flexion of the foot. Pain occurs when the sheath, or periosteum, encompassing the tibia becomes inflamed as a result of the strain the anterior tibialis puts on this connective tissue between the muscle thus causing pain in the bone.
Symptoms of Shin Splints:
• Pain on the medial portion of the shin
• Pain that intensifies during exercise and eases when sedentary
• Small lumps that can be felt along the shin bone
• Mild swelling
• Pain when the toes or foot are bent downward
Treatment for shin splints is as simple as reducing pain and inflammation, identifying training and biomechanical problems which may have helped cause the injury initially, restoring muscles to their original condition and gradually returning to training.
At Trigger point Performance therapy we can aid during this treatment method by providing a way by that adhesion and scar tissue within the tibialis anticus are often broken down. This is often accomplished through myofascial compression techniques and also the use of our Trigger point Massage Ball. The tibialis anticus originates on the lateral portion of the lower leg and inserts on the medial portion, at the medial cuneiform.
• Place the Trigger Point Ball on the anterior lower leg on the lateral side of tibia bone.
• Keeping an upright torso, slightly lean back and allow your body weight to create pressure to generate throughout your palm and through the ball.
• Apply pressure, as tolerated, to this area as you address the extremely tight areas of this muscle.
• Place one Trigger Point Ball on the interior lower leg on the medial side of tibia bone, while the other ball rests underneath the calf and isolates the muscle from the bone.
• Keeping an upright torso, allow pressure to generate throughout the palm and through the ball by shifting your body weight forward.
• Massage the muscle in this area and along the connective tissue to target extremely tight areas of this muscle.
Perform this routine up to twice daily to optimize results and get on the path to recovery!
