374 | Shin Splints: What Should You Do?

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, co-hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, explore the common issue of shin splints, or medial tibial stress syndrome, prevalent among runners and those engaged in high-impact activities. They emphasize the importance of foot health, the benefits of barefoot shoes like Vivo Barefoot, and the necessity of maintaining strong muscles in the feet, ankles, and lower legs. Key points include understanding shin splints, load management, strengthening exercises, the importance of cross-training, seeking professional guidance, and preventive strategies. They also introduce a barefoot mini-course for improving foot and ankle health. VivoBarefoot Discount: We cannot talk about back issues without talking about restrictions in feet and ankles. Improve your foot and ankle health and therefore everything up the chain by wearing ⁠VivoBareoot shoes⁠ to improve the mobility and strength in your toes, feet, and ankles. There’s one for every occasion, including weddings, hiking, a grocery walk and casual wear, or shoes for your active lifestyle. Use code "TOB20" to get 20% off your ⁠VivoBarefoot Shoes⁠! **Vivo offers a 100-Day trial period. If you are not completely satisfied, you can send the shoes back and get a refund. Needed Discount: Although the journey of pregnancy is so personal and individual, Jen's number one question goes back to what she did to help her conceive and maintain the pregnancy. While there were a myriad of factors that contributed, she reliably counted on Needed supplements that supported her journey! Men need support as well via sperm support and men multivitamins. while women are supported by egg quality supplementation, CoQ10, prenatal Omega 3, iron, and choline in tablet or powder form. Used by over 4000 health professionals, Needed is available to support pregnancy, fertility, and postpartum, as well as women's and men's health in general. Check out needed if you know there's a gap in your nutrition via code ⁠⁠OPTIMAL⁠⁠ for 20% off. Barefoot Mini-Course: Tired of foot pain? Join Dr. Jen Fraboni's Barefoot Mini Course for quick 10-minute videos on foot health. Learn exercises to prevent issues like plantar fasciitis and bunions. Sign up today for happier, healthier feet! We think you’ll love: Get A Free Week on Jen Health! Barefoot Mini Course Jen’s Instagram Dom’s Instagram YouTube Channel What will you learn from this PT Pearl: 00:29 - Importance of Foot Health 01:10 - Physical Therapy Pearl on Shin Splints 02:17 - Distinguishing Shin Splints 03:24 - Common Causes of Shin Pain 04:26 - Support During Pregnancy 07:33 - Risk Factors for Shin Splints 09:15 - Additional Risk Factors in Runners 10:25 - Footwear Considerations 11:16 - Theories Behind Shin Pain 12:23 - Symptoms and Assessment 14:04 - Gradual Loading and Exercise 15:05 - Barefoot Mini Course 16:56 - Rebuilding Strength for Shin Splints 17:01 - Calf Raises and Gait Mechanics 18:03 - Awareness of Foot Pronation 19:03 - Strengthening the Bottom of the Foot 19:14 - Hip Strengthening for Runners 21:04 - Comprehensive Lower Leg Training 21:27 - Professional Guidance for Injury Prevention To learn more about this episode⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and view full show notes, please visit the full website here:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jen.health/podcast/374 Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Optimal Body Podcast. If you haven’t done so already, please take a minute to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and leave a quick rating and review of the show!