Dr. Shruti Patel, DPM, a leading podiatrist at the Chesapeake Foot and Ankle Institute in Arlington, Virginia, is pleased to announce the release of a new report aimed at helping individuals manage shin splints without giving up their fitness goals.

Titled “What Exercises Can I Still Do If I Have Shin Splints?“ the report offers practical, medically-informed advice for people dealing with shin pain, particularly those new to fitness routines. The report highlights safe ways to stay active during recovery and when to seek professional help.

“Pain makes it difficult to lead an active lifestyle,” says Dr. Patel. “Especially if you’re just getting into exercise, you might default to running or jogging as something easy and free. But if you experience pain when walking, jogging, or running, you may have already injured yourself.”

Understanding Shin Splints

Shin splints, medically known as medial tibial stress syndrome, are a common overuse injury, especially for new runners and individuals engaging in high-impact sports. The condition results from inflammation in the connective tissue of the shinbones and can cause sharp or throbbing pain between the ankle and knee.

“‘Powering through’ it is bad for your body,” says Dr. Patel, “but you don’t necessarily have to stop being active when you have shin splints.”

What to Avoid, and What to Try Instead

The report strongly advises against running, jumping, or playing stop-start sports like tennis while shin splints are healing. However, it offers alternatives to keep individuals moving, including swimming, cycling with modifications, and even water running.

“Swimming is among the best activities you can do when you have shin splints,” Dr. Patel explained. “The water cushions the impact on your joints, muscles, and connective tissues as you exercise.”

Other low-impact options include walking with caution. Dr. Patel advises patients to take short strides, avoid inclines, and wear supportive footwear. She also recommends monitoring pain levels over 24 hours to determine whether an activity is safe to continue.

A Gradual Return to Activity

The report outlines a three step method for returning to exercise safely: establish a pain baseline, observe how activities affect that pain, and slowly reintroduce movement. It emphasizes that healing is not linear and that adjusting activity levels based on symptoms is key to long-term recovery.

When to See a Specialist

While many cases of shin splints resolve with rest and home treatment—such as the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, and elevation)—persistent pain may indicate a more serious condition like a stress fracture. In such cases, Dr. Patel recommends scheduling an appointment for a full assessment.

The full report, linked above, is available for free on Dr. Patel’s clinic website, the Chesapeake Foot and Ankle Institute.

Media Contact
Company Name: Chesapeake Foot and Ankle Institute
Contact Person: Dr. Shruti A. Patel, MS, DPM, AACFAS
Email: Send Email
Phone: 1 571-619-8923
Address:8320 Old Courthouse Rd # 401
City: Vienna
State: VA 22182
Country: United States
Website: https://chesapeakefai.com/