A recent study found that 69.5% of marathon runners experience shin splints. Most were between 23 and 28 years old, and more than 80% reported pain during or after running, enough to disrupt training and slow recovery.
The problem often stems from poor footwear, hard surfaces, and inefficient movement patterns that place excess stress on the lower legs. Without correction, that stress builds with every run.
Denver Chiropractor Dr. Al Simeone offers a focused, hands-on approach to treating shin splints. You can count on us to identify what’s causing the leg pain. Our chiropractic care is personal, honest, and built around how your body actually moves and not a generic checklist.
What Are Shin Splints?
Shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome, happens when there is irritation in the muscles, tendons, and the connective tissue lining along the inner border of the tibia, your shinbone. This condition typically develops when repetitive stress is placed on the lower leg.
Pain usually begins as a mild, lingering soreness along the inside of the shin with some mild swelling or tenderness in the lower leg, but can progress to sharp, stabbing pain often triggered by activities like running or even prolonged walking.
You’re more likely to experience shin splints if you:
- Run frequently, especially on hard or uneven surfaces
- Suddenly increase your training mileage or intensity
- Play high-impact sports like basketball, soccer, or tennis
- Have flat feet, high arches, or stiff feet that don’t absorb impact well
- Wear restrictive shoes while training or walking long distances
- Serve in the military or work in a role that requires prolonged standing
- Have low bone density, vitamin D deficiency, or a history of disordered eating
How Your Denver Chiropractor Treats Shin Splints
Shockwave Therapy
We were among the first in Wheat Ridge to offer shockwave using the Intelect RPW 2, an advanced machine that uses acoustic waves to break down calcified scar tissue and trigger points in your leg to increase blood circulation and jumpstart your body’s natural healing process.
Chiropractic Adjustments
If your hips are rotated or your low back isn’t moving the way it should, your gait changes, and your shins absorb the extra impact. We use precise chiropractic adjustments to correct those imbalances, helping your legs move more efficiently and evenly with every step.
Soft Tissue Therapy
Using the Rapid Release Pro 3, we apply high-frequency vibration therapy to the anterior tibialis and surrounding calf muscles. This helps release adhesions and reduce inflammation in the affected area. It is often used simultaneously with adjustments or manual therapy.
Therapeutic Exercise and Posture Correction
Once the shin splint is under control, we introduce specific rehab exercises to restore balance and prevent future flare-ups. These may include ankle mobility drills, hip and calf strengthening, and core stability workouts. These exercises act as ongoing support to keep your lower legs moving properly.
FAQs About Shin Splints
What’s the Difference Between Shin Splints and a Stress Fracture?
Shin splints affect the soft tissue along the shin, while stress fractures involve small cracks in the bone. The pain with fractures tends to be more localized and severe.
Can a Chiropractor Help Shin Splints Go Away Faster?
Yes. By correcting the way your body moves and targeting the soft tissue involved, we can help reduce pain, speed up healing, and prevent re-injury.
Can Posture or Alignment Cause Shin Splints?
Absolutely. Poor posture or pelvic misalignment can alter the way your legs absorb impact, increasing stress on the lower leg muscles and tendons.
How Can I Prevent Shin Splints From Coming Back?
Supportive shoes, proper warm-ups, strength training, and postural corrections all help. We also teach you how to move better so the pain doesn’t return.
Are Flat Feet Linked to Shin Splints?
Yes. Flat feet or collapsed arches can reduce shock absorption and increase the load on your shin muscles with every step. This contributes to the repetitive stress that causes medial tibial stress syndrome.
Take the First Step Toward Pain-Free Running
If you’re tired of dealing with shin splints or feel like they keep coming back, your Wheat Ridge chiropractor, Dr. Al Simeo, will be more than happy to help.
Book your $97 First Visit today
Call: 720-573-4910