Shockwave Therapy for Shin Splints

Shockwave Therapy for Shin Splints: Helping You Recover and Stay Active

If you have a deep ache along your shins every time you walk, run, or exercise, you may be dealing with shin splints. It is one of the most common causes of leg pain we see at My Family Podiatry, especially in runners, gym goers, and people who have recently increased their activity.

The good news is that it can be treated. Our team in Albany Creek use shockwave therapy, combined with a detailed biomechanical assessment, to help reduce pain and promote recovery.

What Causes Shin Splints?

Shin splints, or medial tibial stress syndrome, happen when the muscles and soft tissues around the shin bone (tibia) become irritated from overuse. The tissue that connects the muscles to the bone starts to pull repeatedly, causing pain and inflammation.

Common causes include:

• Sudden increase in activity: Starting a new running program or increasing distance too quickly.

• Hard surfaces: Running on concrete or hard gym floors increases shock through the lower legs.

• Flat feet or overpronation: Rolling in too much at the ankle adds extra stress to the tibialis posterior muscle, the muscle that can become irritated along the side of your shin bone.

• Worn-out shoes: Old or unsupportive footwear stops absorbing impact properly.

• Weak or tight muscles: Weak calves, tight hamstrings, or weakness in the hips reduce how well your body absorbs shock.

• Poor recovery: Not giving your legs enough time to rest and repair between sessions.

If left untreated, shin splints can turn into stress reactions or stress fractures of the shin bone, which take much longer to heal.

How Shockwave Therapy Helps

Shockwave therapy uses acoustic waves that pass through the skin into the injured tissue. This energy stimulates the body’s natural healing response and helps calm down pain signals.

At My Family Podiatry, we use two types of EMS Dolorclast devices — radial and focused shockwave — to get the best results depending on how deep the pain is.

Radial Shockwave

Radial shockwave spreads energy over a wide area, which is perfect for releasing tight tissue along the inner shin. It helps to:

• Increase blood flow to the area

• Release tight or thickened tissue

• Desensitise painful nerve endings

• Stimulate collagen production to strengthen healing tissue

Focused Shockwave

Focused shockwave targets deeper tissue and the surface of the bone where inflammation often starts. It helps with stubborn or long-term shin pain by:

• Stimulating deeper healing at the muscle–bone connection

• Reducing inflammation

• Encouraging bone and tissue regeneration

By combining both types, we can reduce pain quickly and promote better long-term recovery.

What to Expect During Treatment

A shockwave session usually takes around 15 minutes. Gel is applied to the skin and the shockwave handpiece is moved over the sore area. You will hear a soft tapping sound and may feel some mild discomfort where the pain is most active. Most patients describe it as strange and uncomfortable but we can control the intensity so it shouldn't be to a level of being painful.

You can walk straight after treatment and there is no downtime. Most people need 3 to 5 sessions, spaced about a week apart, to get full benefit. Improvement usually starts after the first few visits.

Why You Should Treat the Cause, Not Just the Pain

Shockwave therapy works best when it is combined with a proper assessment and plan to address what caused your shin splints in the first place.

At My Family Podiatry, patients with shin pain will undergo:

• Gait and running analysis to identify overload or poor movement patterns

• VALD Force Deck testing to check strength and balance

• Diagnostic ultrasound to rule out stress fractures or deeper inflammation (if required)

• Footwear review to make sure your shoes are suitable for your activity

• Custom orthotics if needed to correct poor foot posture and reduce strain on the tibia

This full approach ensures that you recover faster and reduce the risk of the pain coming back.

Strength and Exercise for Long-Term Results

Once pain begins to settle, the focus shifts to strengthening and improving tissue tolerance. Some of the key exercises include:

• Calf raises: To strengthen the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles.

• Tibialis anterior exercises: To balance front and back leg strength.

• Hip and glute strengthening: To improve leg alignment and reduce strain down the chain.

• Gradual return to running: Slowly building up distance and intensity.

By combining shockwave with the right rehab program, we can reduce recovery time and help you return to your usual activities sooner.

When to See a Podiatrist

If your shin pain has lasted more than a few weeks, or if it’s sore to touch and worsens during activity, it’s time for a professional assessment. Persistent pain could mean there’s a stress reaction or early stress fracture forming.

At My Family Podiatry, we use in-clinic ultrasound and our expertise in sports podiatry to identify the exact cause and provide the right treatment from the start.

Why Choose My Family Podiatry

• On-site diagnostic ultrasound for instant imaging and clarity

• EMS Dolorclast radial and focused shockwave systems for effective treatment

• Sports-trained podiatrists experienced in running and athletic injuries

• Individual rehabilitation plans designed for your goals

Our goal is to get you back to doing what you love, whether that’s running, sport, or just moving pain-free.

FAQs About Shockwave for Shin Splints

How soon can I expect results?

Most people start to feel better after 2 or 3 sessions, with full improvement over several weeks.

Can I keep training while being treated?

Usually yes. We will help you adjust your load to continue moving safely while you recover.

Is it safe?

Yes. Shockwave therapy is non-invasive and has very few side effects.

Do I need a referral?

No. You can book directly with My Family Podiatry without needing a GP referral.

Ready to Fix Your Shin Pain for Good?

If shin splints are stopping you from running, training, or staying active, we can help. At My Family Podiatry in Albany Creek, our experienced podiatrists use EMS Dolorclast shockwave therapy, diagnostic ultrasound, and detailed biomechanical assessment to treat shin pain at the source.

Book your appointment online or call 07 3088 6116 to start your recovery today.

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