KT Tape: Shin Splints

The shin is the common name for the front of the lower leg bone (tibia) and its associated muscles and tendons. While the tibialis posterior serves to point the toes and foot downwards (plantarflexion), muscles on the front of the leg (primarily the anterior tibialis) serve to point the toes and foot upwards (dorsiflexion). Anterior shin splints exist on the front of the lower leg and involve the tibialas anterior, while posterior shin splints present pain along the inside edge of the lower leg in the tibialis posterior tendon. As we walk or run, the tibialis anterior slows and steadies the motion of the foot as it hits the ground and lifts the foot during the swing phase of gait to prevent the toes from dragging the ground and prepare the foot for heel strike. Problems in this cycle often result in anterior shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), and are the most common cause of anterior shin pain.

The causes of shin splints can be many and multifaceted. Overuse in activities like running, jogging, or cycling can result in various types of inflammation. New activities, changing running surfaces or frequent activity on hard surfaces, wearing poorly fit or worn shoes, a drastic increase in activity, or running on uneven surfaces can also make an individual more susceptible to development of shin splints. Along with overactive calf muscles, over-striding is often a component of the biomechanical problem underlying the root cause. As explained above, the tibialis anterior is very important during gait. The tibialis anterior muscle and tendon lengthen past their "normal" range when one over-strides. To compensate and find new room for movement, the muscle will separate from the tibia (shinbone) and result in inflammation and pain.

Initially the pain may be very similar to other kinds of tendonitis in that it will start off sharp and then decrease as the body "warms up". The pain then generally returns upon the end of activity. In more serious cases, or in untreated long time sufferers, the pain can become severe and progress into stress fractures. Symptoms usually occur on the front edge of the shinbone and can be recreated when bending the foot upwards or when pressed.

KT Tape can help relieve the pressure and strain on the tissue as well as relax the muscles of the shin. KT Tape will also increase proprioceptive awareness along the tibialis anterior and increase circulation to help quell inflammation. Use KT Tape in conjunction with rest to promote the healing process and see reduced recovery times. Make certain to ice after activity as well as take NSAIDs for pain relief. As the condition worsens the pain is constant and could result in stress fractures if not managed properly. Use the following additional conservative therapies to help speed the recovery process:

• Adjust to the proper footwear for foot type
• Run on softer surfaces
• Correct form
• Stretch sufficiently prior to activity
• Massage
• Decrease stride length
• Avoid running on hills, especially downhill
• Use the KT Tape arch support application
• Thorough calf stretching
• Mix up cardio workouts; cross-train

[thezwrk]

Thanks a lot! I had this terrible pain several months ago; due to that and other different circumstances I quit running and now that I started again this hell is back. One important thing about shin splints is recognizing why they appear, in my case one day I drastically increased my running workout and the following day I could barely walk. Moral of the story: be aware of how much running I can do and stop when my body indicates.

[MrWonkytime]

YOU TELL ME TO SHAVE MY LEG AT THE END OF THE VIDEO!?!?!?!

[KTTapevideos]

You could cut them into "Y" strips but we have found that using two different strips is more effective and helps the tape stay on longer.

[kaitymaines]

As soon as I put this tape on, my shin felt so much better!

[JoshuaYoung]

I agree with Mike. These videos need to be edited so they are linear. I've been a video editor for 17 years. I'd never put 'helpful tips' meant for before applying at the END of a video. I love these tutorials and thank you KT for doing them. But seriously...do a quick re-edit. It'd take you less than a day.

[amblincork]

I ma impressed by how fluently he speaks! Quite a rarity on You Tube vids !

[linnaeamarieandelman]

Thank you! I got a terrible shin splint at work...could hardly walk. I applied KT tape and can walk again with literally zero pain. Amazing!!! Thanks much:)

[KTTapevideos]

You can adjust it to cover your pain. Just move the first vertical strip over to the other side and reverse the two short strips so you are pulling them opposite as is shown in the video.

[KTTapevideos]

Both will be effective. This video is the most up to date application we have. It's the easiest while maintaining its effectiveness.

[KTTapevideos]

Vicki and Amy,
The tape is used before, during and after playing sports. It does great for shin splints. When you purchase the tape, the colors don' t mean anything, they're just colors. All the tape comes in the same size. Follow the video and you'll be fine. Check Rebel Running stores to pick some up. If you can't find it, let us know and you can get it from us.

[KTTapevideos]

The main difference is that with the newer method you get more coverage over the area of pain. We recommend that people use the newer method, but if you're partial to the old method that's just fine. You can adjust this to fit your specific area of pain. If your pain is more lateral then you can adjust to cover that. Hope that helps.

[KTTapevideos]

Place the small strips at the upper and lower range of your pain. You can also apply an additional half strip in between if you need to.

[Elizabeauty]

I feel like my pain is not in one spot? Like it’s not pin pointed like that it’s my whole shin.

[fbm]

Thanks for the tips at the END of the video...

[KTTapevideos]

The original is $12.99 and the Pro is $19.99. You can wear each application for a week with the Pro so for example, shin splints uses 2 strips of tape and there's 20 strips per roll so you've got 10 weeks of tape. This will vary depending on which application you use but it should be between 6-10 weeks per roll.

[xxhairandmakeupbyjxx]

How long do you leave these on at a time, how often do you change them

[KTTapevideos]

Yes. You should adjust the application according to your specific pain.

[msw.]

Thanks fucker for telling me I had to shave my legs at the END of the video.

[KTTapevideos]

Duck tape does not breathe or move with your skin. KT Tape stretches so it moves with your body and is breathable and you can wear it for multiple days through showers and workouts.

[KTTapevideos]

We get great results with this application. Feel free to post on twitter or FB and ask people what their results were with this application.