Paediatric podiatry offers a multifaceted approach to managing shin splints in children. Paediatric podiatrists can effectively alleviate pain and prevent recurrence by integrating advanced diagnostic techniques with tailored treatments.
Shin splints, medically termed ‘medial tibial stress syndrome’, are not exclusive to adult athletes. This condition, characterised by pain along the shinbone during physical activity, frequently affects children engaged in sports. While often dismissed as temporary, shin splints can significantly impact a child’s physical activity and emotional well-being if left unaddressed.
Understanding the Causes
Shin splints in children typically result from repetitive stress on the shinbone and surrounding muscles. High-impact sports, improper biomechanics, inadequate footwear, and suboptimal training techniques all contribute to this condition. Without proper treatment, paediatric shin splints can evolve into a chronic issue, potentially limiting a child’s mobility and long-term physical health.
The Pediatric Podiatry Approach
Paediatric podiatrists employ a multifaceted approach to treating shin splints in children, combining several complementary therapies for optimal results:
At the core of treatment is a detailed gait analysis, which unveils subtle movement patterns contributing to shin splints. This analysis is conducted in tandem with a thorough footwear assessment. Podiatrists can identify biomechanical issues and ensure proper support by understanding how a child walks or runs and evaluating their current footwear. Well-fitted, supportive shoes tailored to the child’s gait and foot structure significantly reduce lower leg impact during physical activity.
Building on the insights from gait analysis and footwear assessment, paediatric podiatrists may recommend custom orthoses. These specially designed shoe inserts work harmoniously with appropriate footwear to provide targeted support and correct biomechanical imbalances. Simultaneously, a prescribed exercise regimen will complement the external support. These exercises focus on strengthening and improving flexibility in the leg muscles, particularly around the shin and calf. Combining custom orthoses and tailored exercises will create a comprehensive approach addressing external factors and internal muscle strength.
This integrated treatment plan ensures that children receive support from the ‘ground up’ — from their shoes and orthoses to their strengthened muscles. By addressing multiple aspects of the condition simultaneously, paediatric podiatrists can effectively manage current symptoms, prevent future occurrences, and promote overall lower limb health. This holistic strategy alleviates pain and enhances overall leg function, allowing children to maintain an active lifestyle with a reduced risk of recurring shin splints.
Prevention as a Key Strategy
While shin splints may seem like a minor setback, the pain and discomfort they cause can significantly impact a child’s enthusiasm for physical activity. Proper podiatric care not only restores a child’s ability to participate in sports and play but also protects their growing body from potential long-term harm.
The comprehensive approach of paediatric podiatry extends beyond immediate relief. By addressing root causes – whether gait abnormalities, inappropriate footwear, or muscle weakness – podiatrists can help children maintain active lifestyles free from shin pain. Early intervention and professional treatment can prevent chronic issues, allowing children to participate in their favourite activities without fear of pain or injury.
Shin splints in children require more than a ‘wait-and-see’ approach. Paediatric podiatry offers a holistic strategy for diagnosing and treating this condition, providing comprehensive solutions for healthy, active childhoods. By combining advanced diagnostic techniques with personalised treatment plans, paediatric podiatrists can effectively manage shin splints, ensuring children maintain their love for physical activity while protecting their long-term musculoskeletal health.
For parents concerned about their child’s shin pain or discomfort, seeking professional paediatric podiatric care is a proactive step towards ensuring their child’s continued health and happiness in physical activities. Schedule a session with The Foot Practice’s expert paediatric podiatrist today.
