Shin splints account for about 10 to 15 % of all running injuries. It has also been found that up to 60% of all leg pain-related conditions in athletes have been attributed to shin splints. According to military studies, shin splints are also the most common injury among ballet dancers, with 4-10% of recruits being diagnosed with them. 

Shin splint or medial tibial stress syndrome is a painful condition that affects athletes and runners. It refers to pain along the inner edge of the shinbone, which is also known as the tibia. Shin splints often make themselves known with a dull, aching pain that can be felt along the front of your lower leg. 

Shin splints can occur for various reasons. Some include an increase in activity levels, wearing wrong-sized footwear, or running on hard surfaces. When shin splints occur, it’s advisable to slow down on exercise, which, in fact, can hinder the growth of many athletes. 

Research and Scientific Evidence

A study published in the International Journal of Surgery in 2017 assessed whether one session of shockwave therapy could help military cadets suffering from MTSS. Researchers divided forty-two cadets with chronic MTSS into two groups. One group received one session of shockwave in addition to an exercise program, while the other group performed just the exercise program. After four weeks, researchers found that patients who received shockwave therapy were able to run more than seventeen minutes on average without shin pain, while the exercise-only group could only run less than five minutes without pain. Researchers concluded that just one shockwave treatment paired with an exercise program can expedite recovery for MTSS.

Another study published in the National Library of Medicine in 2010 evaluated low-energy shockwave therapy as a treatment for MTSS. Forty-seven participants with chronic recalcitrant MTSS were enrolled in a home training program where they repeatedly received low-energy radial shockwave therapy. After 15 months, 40 of the 47 participants in the treatment group had been able to return to their preferred sport at their preinjury level. This proves shockwave therapy is an effective treatment for MTSS.

The Power of Shockwave in Treating Shin Splints

The study holds promising outcomes for the treatment of MTSS through shockwave therapy. The findings reveal that shockwave therapy not only alleviated pain but also improved speedy recovery for patients. 

Try shockwave therapy for shin splints for yourself. Shockwave Canada is an authorized distributor of Storz Medical shockwave therapy machines.