Effect of Arch Support on Shin Splints In Recreational Runners : Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

BACKGROUND - Shin splints is a frequent injury of the lower extremity and one of the most common causes of exertional leg pain in athletes. The purpose of this study was to find the effectiveness of arch support on shin splints in recreational runners. METHOD - 30 recreational runners (15 male, 15 female) with shin splints during running were included in this study through simple random sampling. Each subject ran 1 km at their comfortable pace without the use of arch support for the 1st week, readings of foot and ankle disability index (FADI), numeric pain rating scales (NPRS) and time were recorded as a pre reading on 7th day and the same was done after the completion of 2nd week of running with arch support as post readings on 14th day. Both pre and post readings of FADI, NPRS and Time of all the 30 subjects were compared. RESULT – After analysis, the study showed significant result between pre and post mean value of foot and ankle disability index (FADI) i.e. (p < 0.05) and non-significant results on numeric pain rating scales (NPRS) and time i.e. (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION – The arch support does not reduce shin splints in recreational runners. however, it is effective in decreasing the foot and ankle disability but ineffective in reducing pain and time.