Don’t Let Shin Splints Be a Spoiler, Use KT Tape to The Relieve Pain

Updated on March 24th, 2020
kt tape for shin splints

KT tape is also known as Kinesiology Therapeutic Tape. KT tape for shin splints is a standard method used to treat Shin Splint pain. The tape works by stimulating the nerve endings that relax the muscles around the affected area, that cause pain or discomfort.

According to a report, persons who used KT tape just for a week have experienced a lesser pain than any other methods.

A lot of people diagnosed with Shin Splints claim using KT tape for shin splints that have helped them go back to a sport or lifestyle they would have not otherwise imagined of.  Using KT Tape for shin splints is a natural and long term process of treating shin splints. It is a tape that is elastic, that makes it flexible around the shin muscles, which helps in blood circulation.

Facts About Kt Tape

  • KT Tapes are water-resistant and hence can be used while swimming too.
  • KT Tapes can stay up to 7 days after application.
  • KT tape for shin splints can also be used to treat arthritis, edema, sprains, muscle imbalances.

Is KT Tape Really Helpful for Shin Splints?

kt tape on shin splints
Image:ShutterStock

Absolutely! Using KT Tape for shin splints is on the rise. Its availability and flexibility make it one of the most common go-to treatment methods for shin splints. It is the most common form of treatment offered by the chiropractors and physiotherapists, and many athletes also vouch for it.

When Is KT Tape for Shin Splints Used?

Kt tapes for shin splints are used when there is a pain in the Shin’s muscle. It is the most sought after method for treatment of Shin Splints.

How to Apply KT Tape to Avoid Shin Splints?

Method of Applying KT Tape
Image:ShutterStock

Pain in Shin splits(1) isn’t a life-threatening condition, but it is an uncomfortable situation to be in. Although using KT tape for shin splints makes recovery easy and painless there are some tips and ways to use the tape that can avoid Shin Splints.

  • Steps Before Taping: The area to tape must be shaved and dry. There must be shorts before KT tape for shin splints is applied.
  • Tape for Anterior Shin Splint: Frontal or Anterior Shin Splint is when the pain arises at the tibia and goes down to the ankle. To prevent this pain from occurring:-
    • Bend your leg and identify the pain area.
    • Make sure there is no hair in the area where you want to tape.
    • Cut a long strip depending upon the areas of the pain.
    • Remove the adhesive and place the KT tape for shin splints along the injured pain area, stretching it to its max elasticity, and then loosen it slightly.
    • Lay the tape and rub it to heat the tape.
    • Cut along two more small strips for points above and under the central location where you feel the pain.
  • Wrap Flexing Your Foot: Put your foot in a 45-degree angle. Once this is done, place one end of KT tape for shin splits on the top of your foot by sticking it below the little finger. Wrap the tape around your foot and bring it up to your shin. It should be tight, but flexible enough for you to walk and run around with it.
  • Lateral Taping: Put foot in a 45-degree angle. Wrap the tape from the front side of the ankle and under the back of the ankle straight up to the shin muscle. Repeat it five times and then close at the top and bottom.

[Also Read: KT Tape for Knee Pain Relief]

The Do’s and Don’t’s of KT Tape for Shin Splints.

Do’s

  1. The area must always be well cleaned and dry.
  2. No body hair must be present in the area where KT tape is applied.
  3. To generate heat after taping, rub the tape vigorously with hand.

Don’t

  1. Don’t apply the tape without shaving the area.
  2. Don’t use the tape immediately after an exercise session, Gymming, jogging, running or weightlifting.
  3. Do not apply right after a swimming session or a bath. Wait for a while till your body dries to apply.
  4. Don’t stretch the tape as it can cause rashes or skin blisters.
  5. Don’t rip the tape from the area of application. The tape must be peeled off gently.

Although using KT tape for shin splints is an excellent and effective way to treat Shin Splints, there are also other ways to treat Shin Splint. These are by resting, exercising, massaging, stretching, and physiotherapy. Shin Splint probably can’t effectively and permanently be solved by any one of these methods, but needless to say, KT tape(2) is a great option to relieve the pain.

[Read: KT Tape for Wrist Pain]


FAQs

1. Should You Massage Shin Splints?

Massage helps soothe the tenderness in the muscles, thus, opting for a massage to heal shin splints is also a good option.

2. How Long Does It Take for Shin Splints to Heal?

It ideally takes 2-4 weeks to heal.  To begin with, you can start with less strenuous exercises. If the pain returns, immediately stop exercising.

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