Shin Splints: Conventional vs. Natural Approaches

Shin splints are a common cause of lower leg pain in many people, especially athletes. In this video, Dr. Ray McClanahan, a sports podiatrist at Northwest Foot and Ankle and the inventor of Correct Toes, describes the two unique types of shin splints and how this painful lower leg problem is addressed using both conventional podiatric methods and natural, conservative treatments. Dr. Ray states that most people who develop shin splints are new athletes or athletes who are new to some sporting event. A rapid increase in training volume is another factor that can lead to shin splints.

Conventional care of shin splints usually involves the use of a custom orthotic to control foot motion, whereas a natural, conservative approach incorporates education about the causes of excessive pronation and the importance of stretching the toe extensor tendons (by performing the Toe Extensor Stretch). Other important conservative strategies include wearing men's and women's footwear that's shaped like a natural foot, using Correct Toes toe spacers and metatarsal pads, applying heat rub to the involved area, and wearing compression socks during athletic activity.