If you have shin splints, you’re likely to notice an aching pain and tenderness along the front or sides of your lower leg. The pain may be very bad, especially when you’re climbing stairs.

You may notice:

• the pain begins when you start exercising
• the pain seems to get better as you continue to exercise
• the pain goes away when you rest
• the painful area of your leg feels tender if you touch it

Many people who have shin splints may actually have a stress fracture. If you have a stress fracture, only a small area of your leg will usually feel tender. With a stress fracture, you may also find the pain keeps getting worse every time you exercise and from one workout to the next. If the muscle in your leg feels tight, you may have compartment syndrome.

Gait Analysis

For the above you will require a Biomechanical Assessment. A full Biomechanical Assessment allows the Podiatrist to assess the manner, functionality and alignment of the lower limb and foot. It is specifically beneficial to those who have pain which has not been diagnosed or pain which has failed to respond to medication. The examination is done with the patient in a weight bearing (standing) and non-weight bearing (lying) position. The podiatrist will concentrate on examining the range, direction and quality of motion within the hip, knee, lower limb and foot. We ask that when you come for the assessment, if your happy to, that you bring a pair of shorts to change into. This makes it much easier for the Podiatrist to examine your hip and knee joints. It also helps when the Podiatrist watches the way you walk (gait cycle) as it allows us to see how the whole leg is functioning rather than just the foot itself.

Insoles and Orthotics

This assessment usually identifies the need for correction which is done through the use of orthotics, also known as insoles. The orthotics, which are custom designed to your feet, provide support and work with the lower limb and feet. In order to provide you with the most suitable insole, we ask that on the day of your appointment, you bring your regular shoes with you. This will allow the Podiatrist to gain an insight into what style you prefer and will give us a better understanding of what type of insole we should provide you with.

However, sometimes the problem lies within the actual muscles. If this is the case then the Podiatrist will be happy to prepare a stretching and strengthening exercise program specifically for your problem.

If the Biomechanical Assessement fails to identify any problems then the Podiatrist may still be able to suggest further areas of investigation that can be done in order to reach a diagnosis. We understand that the worst thing about pain is not knowing the source and reason of it, so everything possible will be done to help you.