Shin splints are a common overuse injury. This injury happens when the muscles and bones in the lower leg pull and become irritated. Athletes (especially runners), members of the military and people with osteoporosis are at a higher chance of developing shin splints. Shin splints can turn into stress fractures.
Shin splints develop from repeated stress to the shin bone by the pulling and tugging of the muscles and connective tissues in the lower leg. Frequent, repetitive pressure from running and jumping can cause the shin bone to become inflamed (swollen or irritated) and weakened.
When the bone does not have time to heal, the damage can get worse and cause severe pain. Anyone who starts a new exercise routine or accelerates their sport or activity too quickly may be prone to developing shin splints
This common problem can result from:
Flat feet -- when the impact of a step makes your foot's arch collapse (your doctor will call this overpronation)
Shoes that don’t fit well or provide good support
Working out without warmup or cooldown stretches
Weak ankles, hips, or core muscles
What are the Symptoms of Shin Splints
The most common symptom of shin splints is lower leg pain. The pain can range from mild to severe, and the shin bone may be tender to the touch. Pain from shin splints can:
Commonly be seen on the inner lower part of the leg or front of the shin bone, Start off as come-and-go discomfort with activity and progress to a steady and persistent pain even after the activity has ended, Be sharp or a dull ache, and Get worse after activity.
Sports such as running, football, skiing, and other high-intensity exercises commonly lead to accidental injuries and overuse of the feet and ankles. Wearing shoes that don’t fit properly is another common cause of bunions, corns, calluses, and other foot and ankle conditions.
Shin Splints Diagnosis and Treatment
Shin splints are usually diagnosed based on your medical history and a physical exam. Podiatrist Dr. Leonard Knudson - Foot and Ankle Specialist will diagnose shin splints by obtaining a thorough history and by examining you.
He will look at your gait, how you walk, examine your lower leg, ankle and foot and a complete complete exam will involve moving your ankle and foot around, feeling for tenderness along the bone. Standing on the painful leg or hopping on that leg may help to diagnose if shin splints or a stress fracture may be present.
To relieve your symptoms, you need to give your bones and muscles time to heal. Shin splints usually improve with a combination of Rest, Applying cold compress, Supplements, Over-the-counter Pain relievers, Slow increase in activity level, Custom Shoe Inserts, and Physical therapy.
Consult Dr. Leonard Knudson - Podiatric Surgeon and Foot and Ankle Specialist in Culver City if your shin pain is severe or if it doesn’t go away after a few weeks of rest. Schedule an appointment right away if your legs are very swollen, red or painful. These symptoms could be signs of an infection or another condition.
WHAT CLIENTS SAY ABOUT FOOT CARE WLA
KNOWLEDGEABLE AND TRUSTWORTHY FOOT DOCTOR
"My best friend recommended I see Dr. Knudson so I made an appointment and saw him. He is very knowledgeable and took the time to explain what was going on with my feet and how my bone structure was affected by the shoes I was wearing. He took x-rays to determine the condition of my feet before making any suggestions for treatment. I became his client since my consultation and will be seeing him twice a week! I will definitely be recommending him to my friends and family!"
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THE BEST IN THE LOS ANGELES AREA
"I had some surgery for a minor skin cancer on my ankle which became infected and created a wound that would not heal. After a month of trying, the surgeon sent me to Dr. J. Knudson. He has many years of experience with stubborn cases. Gradually he used various forms of treatment until I was finally cured. How fortunate I was to have found him. I am now back to my previous activity and health. They deserve more than 5 stars."
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THE BEST DOCTOR IN CULVER CITY!
"I visited Associated Foot Care, Dr. Leonard Knudson for consultation on my right foot that needed surgery and Dr Knudson is actually the second Dr. I am visiting regarding my foot problem since the first foot Dr. I went to was like the waiting game type. Dr. Knudson x-rayed my foot right away and next thing you know, I had my schedule for my foot surgery! Everything went smooth, didn't feel pain at all. I fully recommend him."
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We look forward to meeting your foot and ankle needs
Our Los Angeles Foot Doctor is Certified by the The American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery, is a California Licensed Podiatrist and has a Doctorate Degree in Podiatric Medicine.
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310-876-1579
Dr. J. Leonard Knudson is a Foot and Ankle Surgeon located in Culver City and near West Los Angeles. We also tend to patients from nearby - UCLA, Brentwood, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Venice, Santa Monica and the West Los Angeles area.
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Mon-Fri 9:00am-5:00pm