Taping for shin splints

The following guidelines are for information purposes only. We recommend seeking professional advice before attempting any self treatment.

The purpose of this taping is to provide support and relief from shin pain orginating at the lower third of the inside (medial side) of the shin bone (or tibia).

What materials are needed?

• 2.5cm (1inch) Non stretch zinc oxide tape.
• Underwrap and skin adhesive (optional).

The tape will be more effective if applied directly to the skin. However the skin will need to be free of hair (shaved) to allow the tape to stick effectively and prevent pain when removing. The tape can be applied onto underwrap (image 1) which is secured with a skin adhesive, however it is unlikely to be as effective or last as long as tape applied directly to the skin.

Step 1

• Starting with the bony bit on the inside of the ankle apply a strip of tape across the front of the ankle, around the back of the achilles tendon (not too tight here) and then diagonally across and up the front (image 2)
• Make sure it is not too tight around the back of the achilles tendon but you might like to try a little pressure as the tape comes up the front. You may need to experiment a few times

Step 2

• Repeat this two more times slightly overlapping the first one as shown opposite. Make sure the tape covers the painful area on the inside of the shin (image 3).
• If done correctly this is a very good taping that will take the pressure off the lower shin. Remember that you can rid yourself of shin splints but must also use all other methods of treatment possible > Play video

Warning - be aware:

• If you are allergic to tape or the latex in some zinc oxide tape then use tape that will not cause a reaction or do not tape at all.
• Do not apply the tape too tightly, particularly around the back of the achilles tendon. This may cause unnessessary pain.

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