Shin Splints.
Shin Splints - A common Sports podiatry concern
Shin Splints
Posterior Medial Stress Syndrome, commonly known as shin splints, is a stress reaction against the inside border of the shin bone (Tibia) where two muscles from the foot are attached. Shin splints are a common podiatry presentation in athletes and people who perform regular exercise or sports programs. Shin splints can often be resolved within a couple of weeks, however if left untreated, shin splints may lead to tibial stress fractures. We encourage you to make an appointment with us at The Perth Podiatrists. If you’re experiencing pain during or after exercising it is important to obtain a clear diagnosis. Continue reading to understand shin splints better and the treatments available.
What are Shin Splints? What are the causes?
Shin splints or shin pain is frequently a result of muscle tissue in the lower leg becoming inflamed and causing microtears at the attachment on the bone. The Perth Podiatrists are qualified in Sports Podiatry and will exclude other causes of shin pain which may include bone stress fractures and muscle compartment syndromes. Frequently, Shin Splints are caused from overuse or overtraining of the tibialis posterior and tibialis anterior muscles where they attach to your shin. Persistent shin pain is commonly caused by abnormal movement patterns or poor biomechanics of the feet and ankles. Examples include excessive pronation or tight calf complexes.
Below are some common causes of shin splints:
· Sudden increases in training or level of sports activity.
· Training on hard surfaces.
· Wearing incorrect footwear while exercising.
· Insufficient rest between training sessions.
· Poor foot and leg biomechanics.
· Tight muscle groups.
What are the Symptoms of shin splints?
If you are experiencing pain in the lower leg, close to the bone, it could be a sign of shin splints. Commonly but not exclusively, shin splints occur on the inside of the shin bone (Tibia). The area can be tender to touch close to the shin bone and generally improves with warm up exercises, but the area is tender in the morning and after exercise. If pain increases during physical activity in the muscles of the leg, there may be another cause of your pain. If you’re an athlete or weekend sports person experiencing leg pain, we can provide helpful techniques on appropriate stretching, provide footwear advice and provide suggestions on how to prevent further injury, which may include optimising your lower limb biomechanics to prevent Shin Splints with orthotics.
shin splints Treatment Options
· Applying ice should be the initial response with Shin Pain. Apply ice for around 20 minutes to reduce pain and swelling. Do not apply ice directly to the skin.
· Rest, normally a break from the activity causing the pain for 1 – 2 weeks.
· Stretching and exercises.
· Footwear modifications – Please discuss with your Podiatrist the most appropriate shoe for your foot type and matched to your sports programme.
· Orthotics to correct poor lower limb function, combined with stretching and exercises is an effective longer term treatment plan.
· Avoidance of hard surfaces until shin pain has resolved.
· Deep tissue therapy which may include ice and massage or ESWT (Shock Wave Treatment)
Our podiatrists can provide advice on the above and most importantly assess and exclude other potential causes of leg pain. Please see an example below of a 47-year-old male training for a half marathon. He was referred by a Physiotherapist for an assessment on his shin pain and biomechanical anomalies. The Perth Podiatrists diagnosed a Tibial Stress Fracture confirmed on scans. The right leg with a cross is the location of the Tibial Stress Fracture.
Gregory McCluney Sports Podiatrist Perth DIP. POD, POST. GRAD. DIP. (POD)., M.SC. (POD)