Shin Splints

What Are Shin Splints?

Shin Splints, also commonly known as Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome, is the condition which is defined by a pain centralised on the shin bone, anywhere between the ankle and knee.

Who Is at Risk of Shin Splints?

People engaging in a heavy, stop-start physical activity involving the legs


Sports such as running, tennis or basketball,

Leg Shin Splint

What Is the Impact of Shin Splints?

Shin Splints will impact someone experiencing them by:
  • Causing moderate to severe pain in the lower leg when placing it under any load
  • Leaving the affected area with dull aches and pains when not being used
  • Slowing the recovery of muscles in the affected area

Causes of Shin Splints

Shins Splints are linked to overuse and repetitive, high impact stress, some specific causes being:
  • Posture issues such as flat-footedness
  • Issues with specific technique in training, or in repetitive movements such as running, e.g. rolling one’s heels
  • Overuse or muscular deficiency leading to undue stress being placed on the shin
  • High Intensity, stop-start sports or exercise
  • Uneven, hard, or sloped terrain when running
  • Worn out shoes, or ones with poor support
  • Lack of flexibility

Types of Shin Splints

There are two types of Shin Splints, each relating to a specific muscle connected to the shin bone:
  • Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome is the most common and relates to the posterior tibialis, the muscle running on the rear, and inside side of the shin bone
  • Anterior Shins Splints are less common and relate to the anterior tibialis, the muscle running up the front and outside side of the shin bone.
Comparison of Anterior Shin Splints and Posterior Shin Splints

Symptoms of Shin Splints

The most common symptoms of Shin Splints are:
  • Aching or throbbing pain around the front of the shin
  • Pain which heightens with exercise and strain on the lower legs
  • Pain either side of the shin bone, and/or muscular pain running up and down the front and back of the shin
  • Tenderness and soreness of the skin and muscles of the lower leg
  • Inflammation and redness of the lower leg
  • Numb or weak feet or ankles

Stages of Shin Splints

Shin Splints and Overuse Injuries are similar and as such can occur over time in the following stages:
  1. Pain Disappears During Warm-up: Identifying the issue at this stage can allow you to adjust things such as your footwear or training program, or obtain supports such as orthotics, and prevent the injury from worsening.

  2. Pain Before Warm Up but Reappears During Activity: Treatment similar to the first stage whilst still maintaining your activity but an assessment is recommended.

  3. Pain Worsens With Activity: Stop activity and seek a clinical diagnosis and treatment to avoid bone stress fractures. Rehabilitation with adjustments to the previous training regime, technique, or footwear, possibly using orthotics.

  4. Ongoing Pain or Discomfort. As with Stage 3.

How Are Shin Splints Diagnosed?

Shin Splints can be easily diagnosed with a physical examination, however, in some situations, a doctor may suggest an X-Ray in order to ensure there are not also tibial fractures accompanying it.

How Are Shin Splints Treated?

Shin Splints can be treated easily by:

 

  • Prescription Same Day Custom Orthotic
  • Shockwave Therapy
  • Acquiring footwear with proper support and tread.
  • Ensuring proper downtime and refraining from any strenuous exercise for around a fortnight
  • The application of ice or cold compresses to the affected areas
  • Raising the legs when resting
  • Massages and stretching of the affected areas and muscle groups, possibly using a foam roller
  • Application of compression bandages or tape around the shin

 

Prevention of Shin Splints

Shin Splints can be prevented by:

 

  • Maintaining a proper pair of supportive footwear when training
  • Developing a training regime which does not overstress the shins
  • Building flexibility and muscular strength in the back of the leg
  • Warming up and stretching properly before and after training
  • Training on surfaces with more even and/or softer terrain, such as grass fields

 

What if Shin Splints Are Untreated?

If left untreated, the affected area will be continuously unable to fully recover, leading to muscle damage, higher levels of pain, and in some cases, fractures to the shin bone.
Share by: