What are Shin Splints?

Shin splints, medically known as medial tibial stress syndrome, are a common injury particularly among runners, dancers, and military recruits. They manifest as pain along the shinbone (tibia), the large bone in the front of your lower leg.

Shin splints are characterized by discomfort and pain along the shinbone or tibia, which is the prominent bone located at the front of the lower leg. The onset of shin splints is often linked to vigorous physical activities that put stress on the legs, particularly the shinbone and the connective tissues that attach muscles to the bone.

Several factors contribute to the development of shin splints. Overuse and repetitive stress on the shinbone and the adjoining tissues are primary causes. Running or exercising on hard surfaces like concrete can exacerbate the condition due to increased impact.

Major Causes of Shin Splints

• Excessive activity over a short period of time in an unconditioned athlete
• Postural foot problems such as low arch feet or high arch feet
• Tight muscles, particularly in the calf muscles

Signs and Symptoms of Shin Splints

Mild to moderate tenderness to touch the shin bone over a one or two inch area

No swelling is usually present

If swelling is present, combined with moderately severe to severe tenderness, a stress fracture may be present- this happens frequently if shin splints are not promptly or adequately treated

Pain along the shin bone at the beginning of an exercise or athletic activity that is moderate and then loosens within a few minutes

Pain may reappear in the midst of or at the end of the exercise or athletic activity

Shin Splints Treatment

• Shin Splint compression sleeve to help reduce inflammation and support the muscle to bone interface
• Custom molded prescription orthotics (shoe insert) to support any foot or leg postural malalignment
• Physical therapy modalities to help reduce the deep inflammation at the muscle to bone interface
• Oral anti-inflammatory medications to help reduce discomfort
• Stretching of tight muscles to reduce overstrain on the muscle-bone interface
• Night splint to reduce muscle tightness and low grade spasm of tight muscles while sleeping
• Occasionally, immobilization in a walking boot or walking cast may be necessary to rest the area