Shin Splints
Shin splints is pain in the front or inside of the tibia or shin bone. It commonly occurs due to overuse or injury of the lower leg. When shin splints occur, there is micro-tearing of the muscle and connective tissue off of the tibia. Inflammation may also occur. Shin splints are also known as “Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome”.
Cause
Shin splints are caused by a variety of factors:
Doing too much too soon by increasing your running program too fast;
The use of worn-out running shoes or running shoes that are not sufficiently supportive;
Increased amount of running of hills;
Improper running form, such as over-striding;
Training improperly;
One muscle group is stronger than another in the lower leg;
Weakened strength possibly of the core, hip or ankle; and,
Abnormal foot biomechanics like low-arch feet leading to overpronation.
Symptoms
Pain on the front or inside of the lower leg during an activity like running.
Diagnosis
The best way to diagnose shin splints is a physical and biomechanical exam by the Podiatrist. This would include performing muscle strength test and palpation of the area. Reviewing patient’s shoes, running form and surfaces would be helpful.
Treatment
In order to treat shin splints, the patient should rest and stop running or the activity that is aggravating the legs.
In order to ensure that shin splints do not continue, the patient should:
Correct training errors and running form – do not over-stride when running;
Purchase more supportive running shoes;
Perform strengthening and stretching exercises for the lower leg and other contributing areas;
Taping of the foot;
Custom molded foot orthotics to control the abnormal biomechanics;
Performing alternate exercises for example swimming or cycling;
Physiotherapy;
Ice and anti-inflammatories; and,
Imaging such as x-ray, MRI or other scans.
If the shin splints are not resolved, other differential diagnoses could be stress fracture, tendonitis, compartment syndrome to name a few.
