Shin splints is a general term for shin pain related to stress of the tissue and bones in the area. In almost all cases, the stress is caused by either a temporary or permanent foot instability. This injury often recurs in runners and dancers.

The condition can be controlled by properly aligning the feet and supporting the arch with orthotics. Westcoast Orthopedic Laboratories' full-foot support system is especially effective for shin splints because the foot is stabilized through the whole stride. This stabilization is important for sports that involve a lot of running, as pressure transfer to the shin is highest when weight is on the ball of the foot. In dance, shin splints often occur because of instability when landing jumps on the forefoot—only full-foot orthotics can help stabilize the foot and shin during this type of move.

Other treatments to speed recovery include ice, massage, and rest. Rest alone will only help if the motion that caused the splint is not repeated without corrective support. In many cases, training does not have to be discontinued if our orthotics are worn while training or competing.

We recommend the Daily Wear Orthotic for light activity, such as walking. Orthotics customized in fit and function for many other activities are also available—browse the product list to find the one that matches your specific needs. 

Still unsure? Don't hesitate to send an email, we'd be happy to help you choose or fill a special order.

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