Shin Splints: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention for Runners and Athletes in Oakville and Burlington Erin Shapcott June 4, 2025 MUSCLES Summary What Are Shin Splints? Anatomy Involved in Shin Splints Common Causes of Shin Splints Treatment for Shin Splints at Sheddon Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic Preventing Shin Splints in Active Individuals Shin splints, also known as Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS), are a common source of lower leg pain in active individuals. At Sheddon Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic, we frequently treat shin splints in runners, soccer players, and recreational athletes from Oakville and Burlington, Ontario. Whether you’re training for a marathon or playing competitive soccer, early treatment and prevention are key to staying pain-free and performing at your best. What Are Shin Splints? Shin Splints Oakville Sports Injury Rehabilitation Shin splints refer to inflammation and irritation of the muscles and tendons around the shinbone (tibia). This condition often results from repetitive impact, such as running or jumping, and can even interfere with daily activities like walking or driving. When the muscles of the lower leg are unable to keep up with increased training loads, this overuse leads to tendinopathy, commonly known as shin splints. This is a leading cause of sports injuries seen in our physiotherapy and sports chiropractic clinic in Oakville. Anatomy Involved in Shin Splints Anatomy Involved in Shin Splints Oakville Sports Injury Rehabilitation Three structures are commonly associated with shin splints: Tibialis Anterior – Responsible for lifting the toes (dorsiflexion) Tibialis Posterior – Helps roll the foot inward (inversion) Saphenous Nerve – A nerve that provides sensation to the inner lower leg; irritation here can mimic shin splints A precise diagnosis by our sports therapy and rehabilitation team is essential to determine the best treatment approach. Common Causes of Shin Splints Common Causes of Shin Splints Sports Injury Rehabilitation Oakville Athletes often develop shin splints due to: Footwear changes – New shoes can alter gait and biomechanics Increased training volume or intensity – Especially in running and soccer training Changes in terrain – Shifting from grass to pavement or turf can increase strain Biomechanics– Excessive pronation places added stress on the tibialis posterior and tibialis anterior disrupting normal alignment and leading to overuse of these muscles. If you’re experiencing shin pain in Oakville or Burlington, our team of chiropractors, physiotherapists, and athletic therapists can help you find relief and prevent recurrence. pelvic floor physiotherapy for Shin Splints at Sheddon Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic We begin with a thorough assessment to identify which structures are involved and the root cause of your shin splints. Our comprehensive rehabilitation plan may include: Activity modification and gait retraining Footwear analysis and orthotics Soft tissue release, acupuncture, and manual therapy Taping and thermal modalities Targeted strength and mobility exercises Calf Raises Strengthen the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, improving shock absorption and reducing strain on the shin during running or jumping Calf Raises Sports Injury Rehabilitation Oakville Tibialis Posterior Calf Raises The tibialis posterior is a key muscle in controlling pronation and helping to support the arch and limit excessive inward foot collapse Tibialis Posterior Calf Raises Sports Injury Rehabilitation Oakville Tibialis Anterior Raises The tibialis anterior helps control foot placement and reduces stress on the front of the shin during gait Tibialis Anterior Raises Sports Injury Rehabilitation Oakville Glute Strengthening Glute medius exercises improve hip stability and lower limb alignment, reducing compensations down the chain that contribute to overpronation and shin stress Glute Strengthening Sports Injury Rehabilitation Oakville Our collaborative approach brings together sports chiropractic, physiotherapy, and athletic therapy to help you return to sport safely. Preventing Shin Splints in Active Individuals Whether you’re running the trails of Burlington or playing on the soccer fields of Oakville, prevention is critical. Key strategies include: Gradual increase in training intensity Using proper footwear suited to your sport Strengthening the lower legs and improving mobility We offer custom injury prevention programs for runners, soccer players, and weekend warriors. Contact Our Team Sheddon Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic locations: 1. Located inside the Oakville Athletic Academy 2. visit : 1300 Cornwall Road, Unit 103, Oakville, ON L6J 7W5 905-849-4576 We proudly serve the communities of Oakville and Burlington with expert care in physiotherapy, sports therapy, sports chiropractic, and injury rehabilitation. Website: https://www.sheddonphysio.com/womens-health/