Shin Splints or Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome?
What are Shin Splints?
Typically the condition is classified as pain in the front of the shin highlighted by minuscule tears in the muscle and bone tissue on the shin or the front of the leg. There are many different forms of shin splints - from a tiny tear of the sheath-like substance around the bone to a tear of the muscle, inflammation or a combination of the three.
Most often, you may hear Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome and Shin Splits being used interchangeably. However, whilst often there is a link, Shin Splits can be used for multiple tendinopathies.
What are the symptoms of Shin Splints?
The pain associated with shin splints is described as sharp and aching. You will notice pain along the inside of the shin bone at the front of the leg which may increases and intensify with exercise.
What causes Shin Splints?
The most prevalent cause of shin splints is Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome. As mentioned previously, this is often used interchangeably with Shin Splints but the correct diagnosis is Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome. This is a low grade stress reaction in the tibia resulting from twisting forces resulting from the foot, ankle and leg making contact with the ground. This is often seen when we increase the intensity or duration of training. It is often also linked with overpronation of the foot.
There are other causes of shin pain such as stress fracture, Anterior compartment syndrome and Tibialis anterior tendinopathy and Osgood-Schallters.
What are the treatment options for Shin Splints? How can a Podiatrist help?
Typically you will find that elimination of physical activity that is contributing to the pain will be the first step as this will allow time for the shin to heal. Icing the shin will also aid in reducing pain and inflammation.
However, as we mentioned earlier, it is important to understand that Shin Splints is not a diagnosis in itself, it is just a term that is commonly used to describe shin pain. Therefore, a Podiatrist will be able to assist in performing an examination of the foot and leg to assess the cause. Once the diagnosis is made, a range of treatment options will be available and tailored to your lifestyle. This may include a combination of
Orthoses
Stretching Exercises
Advice and Education
Trigger Point Therapy
Footwear Assessment
Ultrasound