What are shin splints?
“Shin Splints” is a common term for shin pain during running. It can be a misleading term and most sports medicine professionals try to avoid using it. This is because shin pain and ‘Shin Splints’ can be due to several different conditions. One of the most common shin conditions that are frequently labelled ‘Shin Splints’ is Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome.
People suffering from Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome will feel pain on the inner border of the shin (medial Tibial border) during and following exercise. It is important to distinguish Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome from other causes of shin pain (‘shin splints’) such as Compartment Syndrome or a Tibial Stress Fracture. This can require a complex run through of investigations, such as bone scans and compartment pressure tests under the supervision of one of our Physios.
Causes of Shin Splints
Muscle imbalance and leg length inequality are frequent causes of mal-alignment that can be picked up during the Physiotherapy assessment. A common cause of Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome is Flat Feet. These would be identified during bio-mechanical analysis. When the foot pronates at an increased velocity it puts pressure on the muscles along the front and side of the leg, which are commonly used to help control speed of loading of the foot. This can cause overuse syndrome, stress fractures and ischaemic pain associated with increased compartmental pressure.
Treatment of Shin Splints
For the immediate treatment of symptoms Cold therapy is a very effective form of pain relief. Most patients respond well to non-operative treatment. This involves rest, strengthening and stretching exercises, followed by a gradual return to running after symptoms subside. In order to help prevent recurrence of the condition, a bio-mechanical analysis (an analysis of posture at rest and during walking and running) with our Physios should be undertaken. This will pick up any factors that may be making a person susceptible to Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome, so that they can be corrected before a return to activity.
Arch supporting orthotics insoles can be very effective in remedying this problem (see biomechanics) but must be prescribed as there are many different types and some can make you worse rather than better.
All cases of pain in the shin should be properly assessed by a chartered Physiotherapist.
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