Sammamish, WA offers great hiking for those who enjoy combining healthy living and the great outdoors. If you hike on some of the steeper trails in the area, you may find yourself hobbling later from discomfort along your shin bone. Shin splints are a common result of unusual exertion, and they can turn a pleasant afternoon into a real pain.
While this condition doesn’t affect every active person, many do experience its symptoms. Runners are often victims, especially if they have recently changed their routine to a harder surface, or upped their intensity. If you have overdone it and are suffering from this type of lower leg pain, Dr Khanh Le can help you find relief.
Common Causes of Shin Splints
This condition often develops when muscles are overworked and pushed beyond their usual motions. A stressed muscle can swell up and become irritated and painful. Arch problems, like having flat feet or over-pronating when you walk or run, can also be contributing factors. If your arches don’t support you as they should, more stress is placed on the muscles in your legs. Sometimes the tendons can pull against the bones in an abnormal way. This can cause little breaks in the shin bone called stress fractures , which are often painful and can lead to further complications.
What Should I Do?
There are ways to prevent shin splints. One is to gently stretch your leg muscles before and after exercises like running and climbing. Another is to make sure you are wearing well-fitted and cushioned shoes that support your arch and protect your feet. You should try to avoid hard surfaces such as concrete when exercising, and if your legs begin to hurt, stop what you are doing and rest.
If you already have pain along your shin bones, consult with Dr. Dr Khanh Le to determine the correct treatment for your problem. He may recommend home care methods for your symptoms such as resting, icing the area for 2 or 3 days to eliminate the pain, or taking pain relievers. If the symptoms persist, set up an appointment online or by phone. He will examine your legs and feet and determine what is causing the pain in your shins. Further treatment may involve fitting you with custom orthotics , or a neoprene sleeve for support. Exercises may be recommended to increase your range of motion, and physical therapy is often prescribed to strengthen your muscles. Only in severe cases, like complications from stress fractures, will surgical treatment be required.
Don’t suffer with pain or reduced activity from shin splints! Call The Plateau Foot & Ankle Clinic in Sammamish, WA today at (425) 868-3338 . Dr. Dr Khanh Le specializes in sports medicine and understands the problems that can develop from running, jumping, climbing, or even just walking briskly. Our office serves Issaquah, Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, and surrounding areas. You’ll be ready to hit the trails when your feet and legs are feeling great again!
