Don't let shin splints ruin your workout plans.

This is the name commonly applied to medial "tibial periostitis". The symptoms are of pain on the lower aspect of the tibia or shin bone above the ankle during and after exercise (known as shin splints) and is a common injury caused by overuse. Runners are often sufferers of this but anyone who walks, dances or carries out activities in which the feet continually hit the ground can get it.

Factors which can increase the risk of shin splints include:

* Trying to do too much exercise too quickly
* Undertaking too much sporting activities
* Undertaking excessive impact exercise
* Exercising on hard surfaces
* Wearing old or insufficiently padded shoes
* Wearing shoes with poor arch support

Treatment:
Treatment includes reducing the amount of exercise undertaken, ensuring proper or well padded footwear, using a heel pad in the shoes, avoiding impact or running activities, physiotherapy stretching, use of orthopaedics and supports. You can continue your old routine once the activity no longer causes pain, but build up gradually and always warm up and stretch your calves well. In addition, stick to softer surfaces, and make sure your shoes are well padded.

If the pain persists, consult your doctor. Occasionally further investigation and surgery proves necessary.

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How to make an appointment

Contact us directly:
An appointment may be booked directly through Mrs Andrea Beaumont, Personal Assistant to Mr David P Johnson, by telephoning (44) 0117 970 6655 or via our
e-mail contact form.

Appointments by referral::
Where a referral is from your GP or physiotherapist a letter will usually be provided including the details of any previous treatment received or other relevant medical details.

Useful information to bring to your appointment:
It is helpful if any previous X-rays or scans which are available are brought to the consultation, and the general practitioner may wish to provide the details of previous treatment received and other medical conditions.

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