Managing Hard tissue Injuries - Shin Splints (stress FRACTURES)
For this section there is going to be a focus on the more severe cases of Shin Splints (Stress Fractures).
The best way to treat a stress fracture is by resting it. For this injury you would be resting the lower leg. If there is no way that the stress fracture may displace then avoiding activity that will aggravate the area avoiding overuse can be sufficient treatment. If there is possible displacement of the fracture all weight-baring activities should be avoided, the use of crutches may be necessary to avoid weight-baring activities.
Rest;
Rest is key in the recovery of severe shin splints. As the athlete does not want to further aggravate the injury.
Ice;
Ice can be applied for up to 20 minutes depending on the severity of the shin splints. This can be done 3 times a day. Ice massage (movement of ice frequently) can also be taken up.
Anti-inflammatory Medication
Depending on the stage of shin splints, anti-inflammatory medication can be taken to reduce swelling and pain in the shin. This can be prescribed by a medical practitioner.
Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy such as therapeutic massage can help to reduce any inflammation and scar tissue at the area of injury. With the correct guidance therapeutic exercise can help to keep an athlete keep active without aggravating the injury and preventing muscle loss(strength, endurance) e.g. light cycling or pool workouts
Prevention of re-injury once training has re-started
Smart training is the most effective way to prevent re-injury. As sprinting is a high impact sport, this needs to be substituted for a lower impact form of training, still training the same system. High Intensity bike sessions can work to simulate 100m and 200m training. Sprinting should not be neglected all together but should be done in small amounts, possibly once a week, replacing some track sessions with bike or pool sessions. Training on grass rather than tartan can also help to prevent re-injury.
The best way to treat a stress fracture is by resting it. For this injury you would be resting the lower leg. If there is no way that the stress fracture may displace then avoiding activity that will aggravate the area avoiding overuse can be sufficient treatment. If there is possible displacement of the fracture all weight-baring activities should be avoided, the use of crutches may be necessary to avoid weight-baring activities.
Rest;
Rest is key in the recovery of severe shin splints. As the athlete does not want to further aggravate the injury.
Ice;
Ice can be applied for up to 20 minutes depending on the severity of the shin splints. This can be done 3 times a day. Ice massage (movement of ice frequently) can also be taken up.
Anti-inflammatory Medication
Depending on the stage of shin splints, anti-inflammatory medication can be taken to reduce swelling and pain in the shin. This can be prescribed by a medical practitioner.
Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy such as therapeutic massage can help to reduce any inflammation and scar tissue at the area of injury. With the correct guidance therapeutic exercise can help to keep an athlete keep active without aggravating the injury and preventing muscle loss(strength, endurance) e.g. light cycling or pool workouts
Prevention of re-injury once training has re-started
Smart training is the most effective way to prevent re-injury. As sprinting is a high impact sport, this needs to be substituted for a lower impact form of training, still training the same system. High Intensity bike sessions can work to simulate 100m and 200m training. Sprinting should not be neglected all together but should be done in small amounts, possibly once a week, replacing some track sessions with bike or pool sessions. Training on grass rather than tartan can also help to prevent re-injury.