Shin splints, medically known as medial tibial stress syndrome, are a common and painful condition that affects athletes, runners, dancers, and even casual exercisers. This nagging pain down the front or inner side of the shinbone can be frustrating to manage, especially when it interferes with training or everyday activity. While rest and ice are the usual go-to treatments, emerging therapies like dry needling in podiatry have gained popularity for offering relief that goes beyond surface-level treatment.
But what exactly is dry needling, and can it really help with shin splints? To explore this question, we’ll look at how shin splints develop, what makes dry needling unique, and how a podiatrist’s insight can guide effective treatment.
Understanding Shin Splints
Shin splints occur when the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue around the shinbone (tibia) become inflamed due to repetitive stress. The condition is most commonly seen in:
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Runners who increase mileage too quickly
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Athletes who switch surfaces (e.g., grass to concrete)
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People with poor foot biomechanics or flat feet
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Individuals wearing worn-out or unsupportive footwear
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Dancers and high-impact sports enthusiasts
The pain can range from a dull ache to a sharp, stabbing sensation and usually worsens with activity and improves with rest. If ignored, shin splints can progress into more severe conditions such as stress fractures.
Traditionally, treatment includes:
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Rest and activity modification
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Ice and compression
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Anti-inflammatory medication
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Proper footwear and orthotics
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Physical therapy including stretching and strengthening exercises
However, in recent years, alternative therapies have gained traction for their ability to accelerate recovery and address the root cause of the issue—tight, overworked muscles and poor biomechanics.
What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a therapeutic technique used by trained healthcare professionals, including some podiatrists, physiotherapists, and myotherapists. It involves inserting very thin, sterile needles directly into myofascial trigger points—tight bands of muscle or “knots”—to release tension and improve function.
Although it might sound similar to acupuncture, dry needling is based on Western anatomical and neurophysiological principles, not traditional Chinese medicine. The purpose is to elicit a twitch response or muscle contraction that leads to decreased muscle tension, improved blood flow, and pain relief.
When used by podiatrists, dry needling in podiatry focuses specifically on the muscles and tissues affecting lower limb biomechanics, particularly those contributing to overuse injuries like shin splints.
How Dry Needling May Help Shin Splints
Shin splints often involve tightness or dysfunction in specific muscles of the lower leg, including:
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Tibialis posterior
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Tibialis anterior
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Soleus
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Gastrocnemius
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Peroneal muscles
These muscles can develop trigger points from overuse, poor biomechanics, or compensation due to weakness elsewhere. Dry needling targets these specific problem areas to help:
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Reduce muscle tightness: By releasing tight fibres, dry needling can relieve tension in overloaded muscles, reducing the pulling and strain on the shinbone.
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Improve circulation and healing: Needling stimulates local blood flow, which helps reduce inflammation and accelerates the repair of microtrauma.
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Restore muscle function: When muscles are overly tight or inhibited, they can’t function optimally. Dry needling helps reset the neuromuscular pattern, encouraging more natural and efficient movement.
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Relieve referred pain: Trigger points can refer pain to other areas of the body. For example, dysfunction in the calf can radiate pain to the shin. Treating the source can significantly improve symptoms.
What to Expect During a Dry Needling Session
If a podiatrist determines that dry needling is appropriate for your shin splints, a session might go as follows:
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Assessment: Your foot posture, gait, and lower limb mechanics are analysed. The podiatrist identifies the muscles contributing to the problem.
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Needling procedure: Very fine needles are inserted into the identified trigger points. You may feel a twitch response or deep ache.
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Post-treatment soreness: It’s common to feel muscle soreness for 24–48 hours afterward, similar to delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).
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Complementary treatment: Dry needling is rarely used in isolation. You’ll likely be prescribed strengthening exercises, stretches, and advice on footwear or orthotics.
The Podiatrist’s Role in Shin Splint Management
A podiatrist is uniquely positioned to treat shin splints due to their detailed understanding of foot and lower limb biomechanics. Unlike a general practitioner or even some physiotherapists, a podiatrist can address both structural and muscular contributors to the condition.
Here’s how a podiatrist supports a comprehensive approach:
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Biomechanical assessment: Identifies foot abnormalities (e.g., flat feet or overpronation) that cause poor movement patterns.
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Gait analysis: Observes how you walk or run to detect issues that may be leading to stress on the tibia.
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Custom orthotics: Helps offload pressure from stressed areas and correct abnormal gait mechanics.
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Targeted muscle therapy: Including dry needling in podiatry, manual therapy, and taping techniques to support healing.
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Footwear recommendations: Advises on the best type of shoes for your foot type and activity level.
Midway through a treatment plan, your podiatrist will evaluate your response to dry needling and make necessary adjustments. Some people may only need one or two sessions, while others may benefit from a longer course integrated with other therapies.
Is Dry Needling Right for Everyone?
While many patients report rapid relief from dry needling, it’s not suitable for everyone. Contraindications include:
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Bleeding disorders or blood-thinning medication use
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Active infections or skin conditions at the site
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Pregnancy (in certain areas of the body)
Always consult a qualified practitioner who can determine if this technique is appropriate for your condition. It’s important that dry needling is used as part of a broader treatment plan rather than a stand-alone remedy.
Other Evidence-Based Treatments for Shin Splints
Although dry needling shows promise, it’s most effective when combined with other evidence-based treatments:
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Eccentric strengthening: Especially for the tibialis posterior and anterior to reduce muscle fatigue.
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Calf stretches and foam rolling: Helps reduce tightness in supporting muscle groups.
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Activity modification: Includes reducing training intensity or switching to lower-impact activities like swimming or cycling.
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Compression sleeves: May assist in improving circulation and reducing muscle vibration during exercise.
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Progressive return to activity: A gradual reintroduction of running or jumping helps prevent recurrence.
The best treatment for shin splints is always a tailored one—what works for one person might not work for another. That’s why professional guidance is essential.
Preventing Shin Splints in the Future
Once you’ve recovered, prevention becomes the next priority. Some helpful strategies include:
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Gradual training progression: Avoid sudden increases in distance, intensity, or frequency.
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Proper footwear: Replace old running shoes regularly and use models appropriate for your foot type.
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Strength and conditioning: Strengthen the hips, core, and legs to support proper form and reduce the load on the shins.
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Cross-training: Mix up your workouts with low-impact options to reduce repetitive strain.
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Running surface awareness: Softer surfaces like grass or trails reduce impact compared to concrete or asphalt.
Dry needling is a valuable tool in the management of shin splints, especially when applied with precision by an experienced podiatrist. It targets muscular dysfunction at its source, helping to relieve pain, restore movement, and speed up recovery. When integrated with a broader approach that includes biomechanical correction, footwear advice, and strengthening exercises, it can make a significant difference for athletes and active individuals alike.
So, can dry needling help with shin splints? The expert consensus says yes—but only when it’s part of a personalised, well-rounded treatment plan. If you’re dealing with persistent shin pain, consulting a podiatrist trained in dry needling might just be the next best step toward recovery.
