Shin splints are an inflammation along the inner edge of the tibia -or shin bone- where muscles and soft tissue attach to the bone. They occur due to repetitive tension on the bone lining, the periosteum, by the attached muscles due to repetitive overloaded activity. They are commonly seen in athletes of running or jumping sports. It is a stress response due to the constant pressure on the tibia, the larger of the two lower leg bones
Symptoms
- Pain along inner (medial) border of shin
- Pain during activity and immediately after
- Slight swelling
- Tender to touch
- Pain gets worse with impact (running or jumping)
Causes
- Repetitive overloaded activity
- Sudden change in physical activity (increase in frequency, duration, or intensity)
- Flat feet or abnormally tight arches
- Improper footwear
- Running on uneven ground
Risk Factors
- Repetitive impact sport such as track or a sport with a lot of running involved
- Improper warm up and stretching
- Jumping sports
- Dancers
- Military
Prevention
- Proper warm up and stretching
- Correct footwear for the sport and for your individual foot shape
- Gradual progressive training program to avoid overload
- Cross training
- Modifying your gait (the way you run)
- Modifying running surface
- Orthotics to help foot shape
Diagnosis
- Physical exam
- X-ray, MRI, or bone scan to rule out stress fracture or other possible issues
Treatment Options
- Rest
- Ice
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)
- Stretching
- Orthotics
- New shoes
- Physical therapy
