Foot or ankle doctors can diagnose and treat a range of conditions affecting the feet and lower legs.
Shin splint is the term given to relatively common conditions including leg pain that affect more than three million people in the United States each year.
While self-care measures and treatments such as rest, ice, and over-the-counter medication can be effective in treating shin splints, you may need to visit a podiatrist near you if pain persists.
If you’re experiencing frequent pain in your shinbone, shin splints could be the cause. Learn how you can get treatment from a foot or leg doctor in Boynton Beach today.
Shin Splints (Pain in the Shin Bone)
Shin splints is the common term used for medial tibial stress syndrome. It is characterized by pain along the shin bone at the front of the lower leg. The condition is most common in people aged 15 to 50. Highly active people who often run or walk are most at risk of developing this type of pain. Athletes who ramp up their training can also develop shin splints.
The symptoms are easy to spot, especially if you’re typically in good health. Shin splints can cause:
- Tenderness at the inner side of the shin.
- Frequent pain that is more intensive when exercising.
- Swelling in the lower leg.
Initially, the pain will be most obvious during and just after exercise. In the initial stages of shin splints, the pain may subside after rest. Without treatment, the pain can linger, even when resting or reduced physical activity.
If left untreated, shin splints can lead to a stress fracture, so it’s important to talk to your podiatrist in Boynton Beach if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above.
Treating Shin Splints at Home
When you first notice pain and swelling around your shin bone, you can rest and attempt to treat the condition at home. Rest and ice are effective at decreasing pain and swelling.
Take time off from strenuous physical activities and keep your legs elevated above your chest. Apply an ice pack as necessary to treat the swelling. Ice can be applied for up to 15 minutes every two to three hours.
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen can assist with pain relief and managing any swelling.
Minor cases can subside within a matter of hours, with most people able to return to normal activity within a week. If pain persists past the first day and shows no improvement, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist near you.
Treating Shin Splints with the Help of a Podiatrist in Boynton Beach
If pain and swelling are severe, you could be suffering from a stress reaction or a stress fracture. A foot doctor also known as a podiatrist can conduct a full examination to determine the best course of treatment.
If you have suffered shin splints in the past and it continues to be a problem, you may need to change your footwear, adjust the way you exercise, or wear orthotics to prevent injury.
Your foot doctor can prescribe custom orthotics that are shaped specifically for your foot and lower leg structure. In addition to treating shin splints, your podiatrist will also recommend ways to exercise safely without the risk of future injury.
Booking an Appointment with A Foot Doctor in Boynton Beach
Visit the Foot, Ankle & Leg Vein Center when the pain from shin splints doesn’t subside with rest. There may be a more severe underlying issue that requires treatment.
Our podiatrists in Boynton Beach and Boca Raton offer the best solutions with a focus on recovery and full mobility. As specialists in sports medicine, we can develop treatments to help you maintain your performance, allowing you to live the lifestyle that you love.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
