Shin splints is a term which defines a painful condition that normally affects the front of the lower legs and is frequently caused and made worse with exercise. Shin splints may affect the tibial bone or the muscular aspects of the lower leg, or even a combination of both.
Causes: Shin splints are most commonly caused by long periods of continual exercise (e.g. running) where there is repetitive stress and excessive load directed to the front aspect of the shin. Specific running styles & technique, improper lower limb biomechanics & foot function, incorrect footwear, inadequate warm up prior to exercise, muscle tightness, muscle weakness, poor muscle control and a sharp increase in exercise intensity can all contribute to the problem.
Symptoms and diagnosis: Symptoms normally range from a dull ache to intense pain on the anterior, medial or lateral aspects of the lower leg. The most common pain is found in the region of the distal third of the inside of the shin. The pain tends to be mild at the start of an exercise session and gradually increases throughout. Fell runners, running involving hill sprints and those who conduct long distance running are commonly seen in clinic. Severe shin splints are more uncommon which may result in tibial stress fractures.
Management: The important part of treating shin splints is to treat the underlying problem and not just the symptoms upon examination. A skilled physiotherapist along with a specialist lower limb biomechanical assessment will help control the symptoms and prevent the condition from reoccurring and becoming chronic. The condition must be diagnosed correctly and treated in the most effective and efficient way.
Please feel free to contact the G4 Clinic to speak to a member of the team for any questions that you may have.