Shin splints are most often caused by the stress of exercise. People with flat feet whose feet pronate excessively are particularly susceptible to developing posterior tibial shin splints. THe posterior tibial muscle-tendon unit, which originates on the back of the lower leg bone (tibia), travels down behind the inner ankle and attaches to the top of the arch of the foot. The tendon holds up the foot’s arch. In flat-footed people, this muscle has to work much harder than it does in those with a well-developed arch. Pain resulting from the muscle fiber tearing usually begins within two to three hours of exercise and is described as a dull soreness. Later, the pain begins with exercise and intensifies.
To determine the best treatment for flat feet, shin splints, as well as other foot conditions, a podiatrist will examine the foot, perform a gait analysis, and look at the patient's medical history, past medical problems, length and frequency of symptoms, types of current activities, and pain and the problems in other parts of the body. We offer comprehensive care for all foot problems and for feet of all shapes, sizes and ages.
P.S. Over time, tension on the posterior tibial muscles can actually pull it from the tibia bone.
