Shin splints

Shin splints, medically known as medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), refer to pain felt along the inner edge of your shinbone (tibia). This condition is commonly experienced by individuals who engage in moderate to high-intensity physical activity, such as runners, dancers, and military personnel. Shin splints are often the result of overworking the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue in the lower leg, particularly through excessive physical training or a sudden change in physical activity level.

Shin splints

Signs and Symptoms

The primary symptom of shin splints is a sharp pain or dull ache along the inner part of the shinbone. This pain may be felt during or after physical activities, and may be accompanied by mild swelling in the lower leg. It's important to seek medical attention if the shin pain persists even at rest, or if there is severe swelling or the shin feels hot to touch, as these could indicate more serious conditions like a stress fracture.

Causes and Risk Factors

Shin splints are typically caused by repetitive stress on the shinbone and the tissues that attach the shinbone to the surrounding muscles. Factors contributing to shin splints may include:

• Overuse or sudden increase in training load
• Running or training on uneven surfaces
• Improper footwear or incorrect running form
• Flat feet or high arches
• Previous history of shin splints

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of shin splints is generally made through a medical history and physical examination. In some cases, imaging tests such as X-rays, bone scans, or MRIs may be ordered to rule out other conditions, such as stress fractures.

Treatment

Treatment for shin splints typically involves conservative measures, including:

• Rest: Limiting activities that cause pain, such as running or jumping
• Ice: Applying ice to the affected area to reduce pain and swelling
• Compression: Wearing an elastic compression bandage
• Elevation: Raising the leg above the level of the heart
• Over-the-counter pain relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation
• Corrective footwear: Using supportive shoes and orthotics to correct foot and leg imbalances
• Physical therapy may also be recommended to improve flexibility and strength in the lower leg muscles, and to promote better movement patterns in activities such as running and jumping.

Prevention

Prevention strategies for shin splints include gradually increasing activity levels, cross-training with low-impact activities, wearing proper footwear, and incorporating strength training and flexibility exercises into your fitness routine.

See Also

• Stress fracture
• Running injuries
• Sports medicine

Shin splints Resources
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