KT Tape: Shin Splints

NEW updated video instructions now available: • KT Tape - Shin Splints
The shin is the common name for the front of the lower leg bone (tibia) and its associated muscles and tendons. While the tibialis posterior serves to point the toes and foot downwards (plantarflexion), muscles on the front of the leg (primarily the anterior tibialis) serve to point the toes and foot upwards (dorsiflexion). Anterior shin splints exist on the front of the lower leg and involve the tibialas anterior, while posterior shin splints present pain along the inside edge of the lower leg in the tibialis posterior tendon. As we walk or run, the tibialis anterior slows and steadies the motion of the foot as it hits the ground and lifts the foot during the swing phase of gait to prevent the toes from dragging the ground and prepare the foot for heel strike. Problems in this cycle often result in anterior shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), and are the most common cause of anterior shin pain.
The causes of shin splints can be many and multifaceted. Overuse in activities like running, jogging, or cycling can result in various types of inflammation. New activities, changing running surfaces or frequent activity on hard surfaces, wearing poorly fit or worn shoes, a drastic increase in activity, or running on uneven surfaces can also make an individual more susceptible to development of shin splints. Along with overactive calf muscles, over-striding is often a component of the biomechanical problem underlying the root cause. As explained above, the tibialis anterior is very important during gait. The tibialis anterior muscle and tendon lengthen past their "normal" range when one over-strides. To compensate and find new room for movement, the muscle will separate from the tibia (shinbone) and result in inflammation and pain.
Initially the pain may be very similar to other kinds of tendonitis in that it will start off sharp and then decrease as the body "warms up". The pain then generally returns upon the end of activity. In more serious cases, or in untreated long time sufferers, the pain can become severe and progress into stress fractures. Symptoms usually occur on the front edge of the shinbone and can be recreated when bending the foot upwards or when pressed.
KT Tape can help relieve the pressure and strain on the tissue as well as relax the muscles of the shin. KT Tape will also increase proprioceptive awareness along the tibialis anterior and increase circulation to help quell inflammation. Use KT Tape in conjunction with rest to promote the healing process and see reduced recovery times. Make certain to ice after activity as well as take NSAIDs for pain relief. As the condition worsens the pain is constant and could result in stress fractures if not managed properly. Use the following additional conservative therapies to help speed the recovery process:
• Adjust to the proper footwear for foot type
• Run on softer surfaces
• Correct form
• Stretch sufficiently prior to activity
• Massage
• Decrease stride length
• Avoid running on hills, especially downhill
• Use the KT Tape arch support application
• Thorough calf stretching
• Mix up cardio workouts; cross-train
For additional resources, please visit the KT Tape website at www.kttape.com.

[@MrWonkytime]

YOU TELL ME TO SHAVE MY LEG AT THE END OF THE VIDEO!?!?!?!

[@tylercandlerawesome]

+Mike Wonsik Have fun peeling it off.

[@luisasimplicio4682]

+Mike Wonsik There are a few suggestions for relieving shin splints naturally Ensure you consume enough fruit and vegetables. Take vitamin C Use herbs which cleanse the body eg milk thistle Use herbs with infection fighting properties such as myrrh and burdock and others including echinacea (I discovered these and why they work from Remedy Fixer Blueprint site )

[@jayendrashah8092]

There are a few components to treatments for medial tibial stress syndrom. One resource I discovered which successfully combines these is the Remedy fixer blueprint (google it if you're interested) definately the most useful resource i've seen. Check out all the great info .

[@str8xtasee]

Alcohol pads work well when peeling the tape and want to leave your hair. :)

[@Ezekialify]

Get your voodoo bullshit outa here

[@thezwrk035]

Thanks a lot! I had this terrible pain several months ago; due to that and other different circumstances I quit running and now that I started again this hell is back. One important thing about shin splints is recognizing why they appear, in my case one day I drastically increased my running workout and the following day I could barely walk. Moral of the story: be aware of how much running I can do and stop when my body indicates.

[@kaitymaines9166]

As soon as I put this tape on, my shin felt so much better!

[@KTTapevideos]

You could cut them into "Y" strips but we have found that using two different strips is more effective and helps the tape stay on longer.

[@viskandevesslan]

0:49 How long can she hold the smile?

[@KTF_7]

🤣🤣🤣 I was actually focusing on HIM. Everyone else in the comments section was staring at McKayla staring at them. Thanks for making me re-watch this. 🤣

[@omo708]

🤣🤣🤣

[@JoshuaYoung2]

I agree with Mike. These videos need to be edited so they are linear. I've been a video editor for 17 years. I'd never put 'helpful tips' meant for before applying at the END of a video. I love these tutorials and thank you KT for doing them. But seriously...do a quick re-edit. It'd take you less than a day.

[@amblincork]

I ma impressed by how fluently he speaks! Quite a rarity on You Tube vids !

[@mattisbak11]

He is also representing the company.. Of course he is not going to talk loosely.

[@amblincork]

Mattisbak OnlineGames Quite a lot of people doing commercial vids on You Tube do not speak so fluently !

[@KTTapevideos]

You can adjust it to cover your pain. Just move the first vertical strip over to the other side and reverse the two short strips so you are pulling them opposite as is shown in the video.

[@KTTapevideos]

Both will be effective. This video is the most up to date application we have. It's the easiest while maintaining its effectiveness.

[@KTTapevideos]

Vicki and Amy, The tape is used before, during and after playing sports. It does great for shin splints. When you purchase the tape, the colors don' t mean anything, they're just colors. All the tape comes in the same size. Follow the video and you'll be fine. Check Rebel Running stores to pick some up. If you can't find it, let us know and you can get it from us.

[@linnaeamarieandelman4432]

Thank you! I got a terrible shin splint at work...could hardly walk. I applied KT tape and can walk again with literally zero pain. Amazing!!! Thanks much:)

[@KTTapevideos]

Place the small strips at the upper and lower range of your pain. You can also apply an additional half strip in between if you need to.

[@fbm9081]

Thanks for the tips at the END of the video...

[@KTTapevideos]

The main difference is that with the newer method you get more coverage over the area of pain. We recommend that people use the newer method, but if you're partial to the old method that's just fine. You can adjust this to fit your specific area of pain. If your pain is more lateral then you can adjust to cover that. Hope that helps.

[@Elizabeauty312]

I feel like my pain is not in one spot? Like it’s not pin pointed like that it’s my whole shin.

[@ineedsleep3477]

Same here

[@kennykenaz8340]

interesting points ,if anyone else wants to uncover splints shin try Mackorny Run Fast Blueprint (Have a quick look on google cant remember the place now )? It is a smashing exclusive guide for getting rid of shin splints without the hard work. Ive heard some amazing things about it and my co-worker got great results with it.

[@digiwhite6470]

Not certain about the points made but ,if anyone else wants to discover how do you prevent shin splints when running try Mackorny Run Fast Blueprint ( search on google )? It is a great one off guide for getting rid of shin splints minus the hard work. Ive heard some great things about it and my neighbor got excellent success with it.

[@jananusic208]

hi everyone ,if anyone else wants to uncover how to avoid shin splints running try Mackorny Run Fast Blueprint ( search on google )? It is a good one of a kind guide for getting rid of shin splints minus the hard work. Ive heard some pretty good things about it and my cousin got amazing results with it.

[@danidemir7762]

interesting points ,if anyone else needs to find out about how to treat shin splints when running try Mackorny Run Fast Blueprint (do a search on google )? It is a great one of a kind guide for getting rid of shin splints without the headache. Ive heard some amazing things about it and my brother in law got amazing success with it.

[@KTTapevideos]

Yes. You should adjust the application according to your specific pain.

[@tejerongurl]

Thank you for the reply. I will be using the new method of application this coming friday. I am sure it'll help tremendously. :)

[@KTTapevideos]

Any of our KT Tape will work for your shin splints. We used KT Tape Pro in the video which is what I would recommend because of how long it stays on. All the colors are the same so whichever color you prefer. If it's just athletic tape you're using now I would switch to KT Tape. Let us know how it goes!

[@KTTapevideos]

The original is $12.99 and the Pro is $19.99. You can wear each application for a week with the Pro so for example, shin splints uses 2 strips of tape and there's 20 strips per roll so you've got 10 weeks of tape. This will vary depending on which application you use but it should be between 6-10 weeks per roll.

[@KTTapevideos]

Duck tape does not breathe or move with your skin. KT Tape stretches so it moves with your body and is breathable and you can wear it for multiple days through showers and workouts.

[@KTTapevideos]

Yes. We have several derby girls that use the tape with great results.

[@msw.960]

Thanks fucker for telling me I had to shave my legs at the END of the video.

[@michaelreyes3510]

If you want the best treatment for shin splints then go here now: HootShin.info

[@xxhairandmakeupbyjxx]

How long do you leave these on at a time, how often do you change them

[@KTTapevideos]

You certainly can. I would just be careful not to catch the edge of the tape with the roller.

[@KTTapevideos]

Sounds like you might need a custom application. Post your question on our ask an expert forum on our website or on Facebook and one of our experts will get back to you with an app for your problem.

[@KTTapevideos]

Yes. You'd just reverse them to go in the opposite direction.

[@Darling_Mija]

I need this for my schin splints. Ouch!

[@KTTapevideos]

We get great results with this application. Feel free to post on twitter or FB and ask people what their results were with this application.

[@justawhiteguywitharocketla590]

To show you the power of flex tape I SAWED MY SHIN IN HALF

[@KTTapevideos]

If you visit our website we have a store locator that will tell you where you can get it near you. Any Sports Authority will carry it.

[@mcloud98mc]

I have pain about five inches above my ankle inside as well but also in the front of my shin. I'm confused as to what taping method I should use....????

[@KTTapevideos]

The adhesive bonds to the skin, not to hair so if you have a lot of hair I would trim it back. It will stay on longer and hurt less coming off.

[@hungerforthegames7]

This is very helpful, except for one small problem... I'm a track runner and basketball player. During my basketball season I had pain on the outside-ish of my right leg. But now that track's started, I get pain on my left leg, approximately 4-5 inches directly above the bulge of bone (of the ankle) on the outside of my shin. Would I simply adapt this method to fit that area, or is there another video that would be better?

[@KTTapevideos]

You may want to visit our "ask an expert" forum on our website. You can explain your particular situation and one of our pros will respond with the best app for you.

[@KTTapevideos]

Yes.

[@MihaliWheeler]

great video

[@oxyonyt6874]

Just got the wrap for running I’ll come back tomorrow to see if it helped with the pain

[@KTTapevideos]

1-3 days for the original and 3-7 days for the Pro.

[@KTTapevideos]

Try our application for peroneal tendonitis, or you can visit our website and go to our "ask an expert" forum for some advice from a pro.

[@click135]

Would you recommend foamrolling the chin while having the tape on?

[@tejerongurl]

I just recently started running and have horrible shin splints so my running coach suggested this tape. Does this technique also work on anterior shin splints or more for posterior shin splints? Thanks!

[@benpiekarz]

Why are the pink tapes being pulled in from the anterior side? Shouldn't it be applied from the posterior side in order to pull the tissues "inward"?

[@bugguy1967]

KT Tape will not stick to hairy parts very well. I just had to shave to use it. You can buy from any Sports store. I purchased mine from Big 5. eBay also has it.

[@hiephoi058]

will try that thank you

[@KTTapevideos]

That's awesome. Thanks for letting us know!

[@KTTapevideos]

You should have great results with this application. Let us know how it goes!

[@idontseemtohavealife]

I hope this helps me! I just started running again and the pain afterwords is making me not want to run very often.

[@KTTapevideos]

Not sure I understand the question.

[@KTTapevideos]

Awesome. Those are the best kind of tan lines :)

[@tinachen3261]

how do you figure out where your site of pain is? it seems like that my entire anterior shin is sore so i dont know where to put the last two strips of tape

[@roxannerobles9356]

Tina Chen run and immediately mark it with a permanent marker

[@KTTapevideos]

This may not be the right application for you. I would recommend going to our "ask an expert" forum on our website and describing your pain and what you are doing when it hurts and on of our experts will come back with a customized application for you.

[@KiraHelenRose]

If the pain points are on the anterior side of the bone, would you start the second and third pieces of tape on the inside of the leg and stretch it toward the outside instead?

[@KTTapevideos]

Two 10 inch strips. One of them has been cut in half to form two 5 inch strips.

[@photographybyliamanderson1659]

how do you manage to cut them?? i used 3 different scizzors, and a sharp knife to no avail. wasted a strip :P

[@cmdh-et5ef]

Can you do calf stretches or shin stretches while you have KT tape on your shin for shin splints?

[@KTTapevideos]

Visit our website and you can check out our store locator to find a location near you.

[@Promi5eTo3elieve]

How long are you supposed to leave the tape on?

[@DanielLimYH]

when cant we touch the adhesive side of the tape while applying?

[@austinmoeller1833]

could you cut the "I" strips in half to make "Y" strips or would you use two different strips?

[@PromptDance]

I have shin splints pain of the outside (Lateral to the tibia) does that change the direction i tape the 2 small strips?

[@mollyhyer4963]

Ok, im just wondering, will this way of applying tape only go for kt tape, or can you use different tape?

[@jesseosmond4168]

i have hair on my legs and i have shin splints and the tape didn't stick at all to my legs. i put the first piece on and it fell off before i could put the second piece going across on.

[@tejerongurl]

I just realized the guy said 'interior' so i guess the application method is the same if the site of pain was a little bit more lateral than his demonstration. I am curious though if there's a difference in outcome in terms of effectiveness or percieved relief when using the 'old' version of application ( with the tape being split into a 'y') versus this type of application? Thanks again!

[@MrKinghuman]

its great to relieve pressure on a muscle but how would I apply it if it is even possible to strengthen a muscle?

[@666dea666]

Can you tape for both anterior and posterior at one leg at once?

[@evarothenberg2339]

Hi ... you have 2 videos ... which one do I know us best for me? Thank you

[@Promi5eTo3elieve]

awesome. Thanks for the reply :)

[@shainaempleo4381]

Where can i buy that tape and how much will it cost ?

[@SparkABlunt420]

how much does this cost?

[@MrKinghuman]

if i have hypertonic knee extensors( quads), i can put the tape to help relieve pressure and tension right? but what if i have weak flexors(eg. hamstrings) can I put the tape in a way that stimulates them for strengthening?

[@sethlomison5915]

can i do the same thing if my pain is on the outside of my leg?

[@msmksmith9]

I have many points of pain that just go up and down my shin how do I adjust taping to that?

[@paschelco9353]

I have more than one painful point in my shin so how would I tape it?

[@frw420]

why do you have 5-10 different ways of typing the same side

[@Lulup42]

I'm a dancer and shin splints are common. The pain is a little bit under my knee, though. Does it have to be so low to be shin splints?

[@mertgozum1907]

Hi, I think I also suffer shin splits but im not 100%. The red dot shown on the participant showing the site of pain is lower for me. My pain is located just above the Kt logo on the green strip. Its absolutely painful when i start running on hard surface or even when I walk fast. Are these symptoms shin splits or something else? Ive had this issue quite a while now. Thank you.

[@quaiddairloom9221]

Why is it important to not touch the adhesive?

[@anevarez22]

I have a pain between pelvic, hip and thigh

[@sebaale91]

Hi, i'm a kick boxer and when i train i can't jump the rope, run and fight because of the shin splint. Could this method help me?

[@davidoftheforest3822]

the other forest techs are gonna love my silky smooth shaved legs 😂

[@rufuscrackle]

I had shin splints for years till I started to stretch. Problem went away that day and never came back

[@reddednev1040]

I stretch and I still have them any advice?

[@rufuscrackle]

No advice. Only that I really would push it stretching. Not one to let a little or lot of pain slow me down. Maybe yoga, I never felt so loose as leaving yoga class the first time.

[@tims.8557]

What stretching hepled you? 😊

[@piyush6631]

This comment made me cry, I. am happy for you bro. I am still having them for like months. Hope stretching and massaging will cure them. Good lucl

[@eNosArmory]

I've been a Martial Artist for decades and robustly stretch.... still got shin splints and has taken months to improve. If it where all about stretching then it would not be a problem.

[@hiephoi058]

i got pain but in on the outside of the bone, not the inside like in this video

[@juanavalos4003]

Seems like a video posted in 2012

[@camilajesus4552]

what if i have 3 pain areas? how do i put the tape?

[@AM-le7yb]

Can I wear these while running as I have shin splints?

[@awkwardhawk2071]

What is the tape supposed to do? Compress it?

[@alihess5791]

Beekiller it’s supposed to help reduce the pressure on the tissue by putting it on the tape and add support so that you can heal😁

[@KTTapevideos]

Absolutely. Let us know how it goes!

[@dlyroadrunner]

anyone else have problems with the adhesive not working?

[@joem13yearsago73]

Why is she looking at me like that😟

[@davidcoomber4050]

How can she hold that facial expression for so long 😐

[@AbrarKhan-rg5fh]

The hair on my leg won't allow tape😂😂

[@jasonweston243]

Can I do more than 2 horizontal strips?

[@brileyross6923]

Does the color of tape matter?

[@runreerun]

Coming off the tail end of a tibial stress fracture. Looking at all options to not get reinjured and this is just one. Is KT tape worn more at rest or is it recommended to wear while running too?

[@sophocles8761]

what is the science behind this or is it just a gimmick

[@LarryCleveland]

I think that's an interesting question. But, did the Indians and indigenous people with her cures have peer reviewed double blind placebo studies written in major journals? We have gotten so arrogant.

[@matthewgegg3835]

It is nonsense. Don't waste your money.

[@zayrulhafiz6263]

for this??

[@sebaale91]

Thank you very much!

[@bouncybear7750]

what if you have some hairy legs

[@2GMichael]

Grrr, I don't think I did it right. This one is a bit trickier compared to the hip flexor.

[@MrKinghuman]

what makes a foot dorky??

[@krysistheabyss]

i got shin splints from runing on cement