Shin Splints

Shin splints — pain along the inner shin during and after running — are a common overuse injury that responds well to correcting the biomechanical overload driving the condition.

What Is Shin Splints?

Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) — commonly called shin splints — involves pain along the medial (inner) border of the tibia from periosteal inflammation, fascial stress, or early stress reaction at the tibial cortex. Abnormal tibial torsion from overpronation, pelvic imbalance causing increased tibial loading, and running biomechanics collectively drive MTSS. Without correction of the underlying biomechanical cause, the condition progresses despite rest — returning as soon as training resumes. In severe cases, ignored shin splints progress to tibial stress fractures.

Common Symptoms

Dull or aching pain along the inner lower leg (tibia)
Pain beginning during runs and persisting afterward
Tenderness to palpation over the medial tibial border
Mild swelling along the shin
Pain worse at the start of a run, sometimes improving mid-run, then worsening
Morning stiffness and tightness in the lower leg

Common Causes & Contributing Factors

Overpronation causing excessive tibial internal rotation and periosteal stress
Pelvic imbalance creating asymmetric tibial loading
Sudden increase in training volume, frequency, or surface hardness
Running in worn shoes without adequate motion control
Tight gastrocnemius and soleus muscles increasing tibial fascial tension
Weak hip abductors and glutes reducing lower extremity stability

The Pura Vida Protocol: Chiropractic Care for Shin Splints

Dr. Foss addresses shin splints through a kinetic chain approach: pelvic leveling removes the upstream biomechanical driver of asymmetric tibial stress; foot and ankle adjustments correct overpronation; tibiofibular joint corrections restore normal fibular mechanics. Myofascial release targeting the deep posterior compartment muscles reduces periosteal tension. Regenerative therapies are applied along the medial tibia to reduce inflammation and support periosteal healing. Graduated training modifications and footwear recommendations prevent recurrence.

At Pura Vida Chiropractic, Dr. Foss uses Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT) — a gentle, category-based system that addresses the spine, pelvis, and craniosacral rhythm as one integrated unit. SOT restores proper biomechanics, reduces nerve interference, and creates the neurological environment your body needs to heal itself.

Advanced Therapies We Combine With Chiropractic

For many patients, combining spinal correction with regenerative therapies produces faster and more lasting results. Depending on your condition, Dr. Foss may incorporate one or more of the following:

Shockwave Therapy

High-energy acoustic waves penetrate deep into tissue to break up calcifications, stimulate collagen production, and accelerate the body's natural repair process — all without surgery or downtime.

Class IV Laser Therapy

Photobiomodulation with a 10–15W Class IV laser delivers therapeutic light energy deep into tissue, reducing inflammation, blocking pain signals, and speeding healing at the cellular level.

Why Choose Pura Vida Chiropractic in San Antonio?

Pura Vida Chiropractic is a family-friendly, bilingual (English/Spanish) clinic serving San Antonio, TX. Dr. Dan Foss is trained in Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT), a comprehensive chiropractic system that addresses the whole body — not just the area of pain. We combine hands-on spinal correction with the latest regenerative technology to help patients resolve the root cause of their condition rather than masking symptoms.

We are insurance friendly with most insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Aetna, Ambetter, Oscar Health, Community First, and Molina Healthcare. New patient appointments are available promptly.

Ready to Get Relief from Shin Splints?

Schedule your new patient appointment with Dr. Foss at Pura Vida Chiropractic in San Antonio, TX. We'll identify the root cause and build a personalized care plan.

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