When should I see a podiatrist?

For persistent foot/ankle pain, difficulty walking, numbness, non-healing wounds, skin changes, or deformities. Dr. Biernacki offers same-day appointments. Call 248-651-1202.

Does Dr. Biernacki accept insurance?

Balance Foot & Ankle accepts most major plans including BCBS, Aetna, United, Cigna & Medicare. Call 248-651-1202 to verify coverage. Affordable self-pay options available.

What to expect at your first podiatry visit?

Comprehensive evaluation including history, exam, biomechanical assessment, and in-office X-rays. Same-day diagnosis and treatment when possible. Most visits take 30-45 minutes.

What are shin splints and how are they treated?

Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome) are pain along the inner shinbone caused by overuse, impact loading, flat feet, or biomechanical issues during running and walking. At Balance Foot & Ankle, treatment includes: activity modification or rest, icing for 15-20 minutes after activity, calf stretching and strengthening, custom orthotics to address overpronation, gradual return-to-running programs, and assessment for stress fractures if pain is severe.

What causes shin splints?

Shin splints are caused by repetitive stress on the periosteum (bone covering) of the tibia from overuse, rapid training increases, running on hard surfaces, worn-out footwear, flat feet (overpronation), muscle imbalances, and tight calf muscles. At Balance Foot & Ankle, we identify the biomechanical factors contributing to shin splints — particularly overpronation and footwear issues — and provide targeted treatment including custom orthotics.

Can you run with shin splints?

Running with acute shin splints worsens the condition and risks progression to a tibial stress fracture. Rest from running is recommended during acute pain. Balance Foot & Ankle recommends cross-training with low-impact activities (swimming, cycling) during recovery. Once symptoms resolve with conservative treatment, a graduated return-to-running program prevents recurrence. Proper footwear and custom orthotics are key for runners prone to shin splints.

How long do shin splints take to heal?

Shin splints typically improve in 2-6 weeks with appropriate rest and conservative treatment. Returning to running too soon is the most common cause of prolonged shin splints. Balance Foot & Ankle provides guidance on a systematic return-to-running approach after shin splints resolve, typically increasing mileage by no more than 10% per week to prevent recurrence.

Can custom orthotics prevent shin splints?

Yes, custom orthotics from Balance Foot & Ankle that control overpronation significantly reduce shin splint recurrence by decreasing tibial rotation and medial foot loading during running. For runners with flat feet or overpronation who repeatedly develop shin splints, custom orthotics combined with appropriate footwear selection are highly effective preventive measures. Call (810) 206-1402 to schedule a biomechanical evaluation for shin splints.

Shin Splints Treatment Top 10 CURES: Shin Pain & Sore Shin Muscles

Name: Shin Splints 2026: Causes & Prevention Guide
Creator: Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Published: 2020-07-08T21:11:19-04:00

Do you struggle with painful shin splints that make it hard to walk, run, or exercise? Shin splint pain is often caused by overuse, muscle strain, or stress on the shin bone, and it can really slow you down if not managed properly. The good news is that there are many effective home remedies that can reduce pain and speed up recovery. In this guide, we’ll cover the top 10 shin splints home treatments and simple cures you can start right away—from rest, ice, and stretching to strengthening exercises and supportive footwear. By following these steps, you can begin to fix your shin pain, calm sore shin muscles, and get back to moving comfortably again. Schedule Your Consultation Today

Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome [FIX Sore Shin Splints & Muscles]

Shin Splints Treatment [Top 10 CURES: Shin Pain & Sore Shin Muscles] Overview: Shin Splint Causes:

🦶Do you have Shin Splint Pain? We go over the TOP 10 Shin Splint Treatments & CURES!🦶
We describe the top shin splints symptoms & shin splints causes [Including posterior shin splints].

Shin Splints 2026: Causes, Treatment & Prevention | Podiatrist

We then go over how to make your shin pain and sore shin muscles go AWAY FAST!
If you have shin splints from walking or shin splints from running, we can make that shin pain at rest go away.
This top 10 guide focuses on shoes, insoles, bracing, terrain, running form, barefoot running, cross training, exercises, stretching & MORE!

Shin splints treatment and home cure — Shinsplints is the posterior tibialis muscle pulling away from the bone called the tibia. This is known as posterior shin splints.

Shin Splint Treatment: Trusted Foot & Ankle Information

Learn what’s hurting and how to fix it.

2026 Update

With Michigan pickleball courts booming and spring running season approaching, shin splints are one of the most common injuries we treat. Proper footwear, gradual training progression, and custom orthotics are your best prevention tools. Read our pickleball injury guide →

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Why Choose Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist in Howell and Bloomfield Hills?

At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist, we understand how frustrating shin splint pain can be, especially when it limits your daily activities or fitness goals. Our experienced podiatrists, including Dr. Carl Jay and Dr. Tom Biernacki, provide personalized care plans that go beyond quick fixes—combining advanced diagnostics, custom treatment strategies, and preventative guidance to help you recover faster and prevent future flare-ups. Whether you’re in Howell or Bloomfield Hills, our team is here to help you get back on your feet pain-free. Don’t let shin splints hold you back—schedule your appointment today and take the first step toward lasting relief. Book Your Podiatrist Visit Now

Frequently Asked Questions About Shin Splint Treatment

What is the fastest way to treat shin splints? The fastest way to relieve shin splints is by resting, icing the affected area, and using compression to reduce inflammation. Supportive footwear or custom orthotics can also help ease stress on the shins. For persistent cases, a podiatrist can provide targeted treatments and rehabilitation strategies. Can shin splints go away on their own? Yes, mild shin splints often improve with rest and home care. However, if the pain continues for more than two weeks, worsens with activity, or affects daily movement, it’s important to see a foot and ankle specialist to rule out stress fractures or other conditions. Do I need to see a doctor for shin splints? If your shin pain is severe, recurrent, or interferes with walking, running, or sports, you should see a doctor. At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist, our podiatrists in Howell and Bloomfield Hills can provide a personalized treatment plan to relieve pain and prevent long-term complications.

Shin Splints and Lower Leg Pain in Michigan: Podiatric Evaluation and Treatment

Related Treatment Guides

Michigan runners, military recruits, and athletes with shin splints — medial tibial stress syndrome — should receive a clinical evaluation that distinguishes the condition from tibial stress fracture (which has similar symptoms but requires significantly different management including activity restriction and sometimes immobilization) and identifies the biomechanical factors driving the periosteal stress reaction. At Balance Foot & Ankle, shin splint evaluation includes assessment of foot pronation and arch mechanics, running shoe adequacy, training load history, and when indicated, bone scan or MRI to rule out stress fracture. Treatment of medial tibial stress syndrome addresses the underlying biomechanical overload: custom orthotics correcting excessive pronation, footwear modification, activity modification with cross-training substitution, and strength training for the peroneals and tibialis posterior. Michigan runners with shin pain can call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 to schedule at our Howell or Bloomfield Hills office.

Related Conditions

Board-certified podiatrist Dr. Tom Biernacki treats all foot & ankle conditions. Call (810) 206-1402 for a same-day appointment.

Get Expert Shin Splints Treatment Today

Board-certified podiatrists Dr. Tom Biernacki, Dr. Carl Jay & Dr. Daria Gutkin provide same-day shin splints evaluation and treatment at two convenient Michigan locations.

☎ Call (810) 206-1402

Howell: 4330 E Grand River • Bloomfield: 43494 Woodward Ave #208

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-qualified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon serving Southeast Michigan at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists. A Michigan native, Dr. Biernacki earned his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University and his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) from Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine. He completed a three-year comprehensive surgical residency in foot and ankle surgery in the Detroit metro area.

Dr. Biernacki specializes in the treatment of heel pain, bunions, hammertoes, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, flatfoot correction, and minimally invasive foot surgery. He is dedicated to providing evidence-based, patient-centered care that helps people of all ages stay active and pain-free.

He sees patients at multiple convenient Metro Detroit locations and is committed to community education through the MichiganFootDoctors.com resource library. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) and the Michigan Podiatric Medical Association (MPMA).