Shin Splints
What are Shin Splints?
Shin Splints, also known as Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome, is an overuse injury of the shin bone area, the tibia and associated connective tissue surrounding the lower leg. Doing too much too soon in activities like running and sports involving jumping can lead to this condition. If ignored, the condition can become more debilitating to the extent that it may lead to stress fractures.
Symptoms
- Diffused pain upon and/or after exercise in the bottom 2/3rds and/or the border of the shin bone.
- This pain reduces with rest.
- Reproducible pain with sensation to the area when applying touch (pressure)
Causes
Repetitive accumulative stress to the connective tissue and tibia bone induces pain in this area. This stress can be from doing repetitive movements that exceed your bodies capacity such as from running, jumping and even marching. When this trauma repeatedly exceeds the body’s capability to repair itself then it can accumulate leading to pain.
In addition, the surrounding musculature does play a role in absorbing the stress from these repetitive movements. Muscle weakness and joint range of motion are also contributing factors.
Symptoms are also possibly made worse with other stressors of the body such as body weight and foot and leg movements during activity. Biomechanical issues related to the foot and hip can be identified by a clinician and be addressed accordingly.
Treatment
Rest or activity modification is generally the first principal. This will differ from person to person depending on the presentation, severity, training history and overall health and wellbeing.
Furthermore, mechanical therapies maybe taken into consideration if required. Mechanical interventions may include footwear modifications, in-shoe padding, tapping and/or running orthoses.
In addition to this are pain modification therapies which can help improve the healing capabilities of the body and improve pain tolerance.
A management plan may include the following (and will be dependent on the individual):
- Activity modification - duration and/or distance, intensity, etc
- Footwear assessment
- Custom Foot Orthotic Therapy (if indicated)
- Symptom modification therapies such as laser therapy and/or shockwave therapy
- Strengthening and mobility exercises to improve function
- Gradual return to activity whilst maintaining mobility and strength