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Shin splints, is often referred to medically as medial tibial stress syndrome, caused by overuse injuries along the long bone in front of the lower leg, known as the shin bone (tibia). Shin splints develop when the muscles and bones in the lower leg pull and tug at the shin bone, causing inflammation (irritation and swelling) and pain.
Shin splints are common in adults with osteoporosis, enlistees in the armed forces, dancers, and runners. Shin splints often develop in athletes who have recently changed or increased their training programs. Muscles, tendons, and bone tissue are being overworked by the increased activity.
Shin splints are typically treatable with rest, ice, and other self-care techniques. Shin splints can be avoided by changing your exercise program and using the appropriate footwear. However, shin splints do have the potential to turn into a tibial stress fracture if neglected.
Symptoms
Lower leg pain is the most common symptom of shin splints. The shin bone may feel painful to the touch and the pain might range from minor to severe. Shin splint pain may cause:
- Begin as intermittent discomfort during activity and develop into a constant, persistent pain even after the activity has stopped.
- Tenderness or swelling in the lower leg
- Soreness or pain at the shinbone
Shin splints may be present if someone experiences lower leg pain or aching legs that worsens after exercise. The pain may come and go, and may be either dull or intense. If rest, ice, and over-the-counter painkillers do not relieve the shin pain then patient may seek medical intervention.
Causes
Shin splints occur when the shin bone is exposed to repetitive stress caused by the pulling and tugging of the muscles and connective tissues in the lower leg. Running and jumping can subject the shin bone to continuous, repetitive pressure that might result in shin bone inflammation (swelling or irritation) and weakness.
Risk factors
Shin splints are more likely to affect people who are the following:
- Athletes: Who participate in high-impact sports that strain the legs, commonly runners who are starting a running program that runs on uneven surfaces or increases the duration and intensity of the activity.
- Flat feet or high arches: Muscles and bones may not be able to distribute or absorb force from impact and loading activities as well in this condition.
- Military: Those who walk or march most of the time.
- Others: People who do not wear supportive shoes during an exercise. People who walk a long distance. Those who may already have weakened bones due to osteopenia or osteoporosis.
Diagnosis
Shin splints could be diagnosed by the following:
- Physical examination: Healthcare provider will conduct physical assessment and obtain medical history of the patient. They will evaluate the lower leg, ankle, and foot as well as the gait and walking style. Moving the ankle and foot and feeling for soreness along the bone are all part of a thorough examination. To determine if shin splints or a stress fracture may be present, standing on the afflicted leg or hopping on that leg may be helpful.
- Imaging test: If necessary, imaging studies like X-rays may be used to investigate the source of your discomfort and identify other potential reasons for your pain, such as a stress fracture. A doctor may request a bone scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Due to the fact that these tests detect the damage before an X-ray, they enable the healthcare provider to determine whether the shin splint has developed into a stress fracture.
Treatment
The muscles and bones need time to recover if the patient wants to get rid of their symptoms. Basic self-care measures help to cure shin splints:
- Rest: Avoid any actions that result in pain, swelling or discomfort. Try low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, or water running during the process of healing.
- Ice: For several days, apply cold compress to the injured shin for at least four to eight times per day for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Wrap the ice packs in a thin towel to prevent damage to the skin.
- Over-the-counter medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) are available over-the-counter and can reduce swelling and pain. Examples include naproxen sodium and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, and other).
- Supplements: A daily dose of 1000 – 2000 IU of vitamin D3 may be beneficial. Talk to the healthcare provider about supplements.
- Supportive shoes: Shoe inserts (orthotics) can effectively relieve the pain of shin splints in those with flat feet. By supporting the arches, orthotics ease the strain on the bones and muscles in the lower legs.
- Physical therapy: Therapy can be beneficial, particularly when helping someone get back into running.
Start out slowly when deciding to get active again and gradually increase the intensity level to lower the chance of getting shin splints again.
