Posted on December 2, 2007 in Foot Care
The term “shin splints” refers to pain and tenderness along or just behind the inner edge of the tibia, the large bone in the lower leg. Shin splints–or medial tibial stress syndrome as it is known by orthopedists–usually develops after physical activity, such as vigorous exercise or sports. Repetitive activity leads to inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and periosteum (thin layer of tissue covering a bone) of the tibia, causing pain. The bone tissue itself is also involved. The pain is the result of an overload on the shinbone and the connective tissues that attach your muscles to the bone. Shin splints are common among runners and other athletes.
Types of Shin Splints
- Posteromedial shin splints – It affects the muscles in the back (posterior) and inner (medial) parts of the shin, which are responsible for lifting the heel just before the toes push off. It is due to running on banked tracks or crowned road. It can become worse by rolling onto the outside of the feet (pronation) excessively or by wearing running shoes that do not adequately prevent such rolling.
- Anterolateral shin splints- It affects the muscles in the front (anterior) and outside (lateral) parts of the shin. This injury results from a natural imbalance in the size of opposing muscles. The shin muscles pull the foot up, and the larger and much stronger calf muscles pull the foot down each time the heel touches the ground during walking or running. The calf muscles exert so much force that they can injure the shin muscles.
Symptoms of Shin Splints
- Tenderness, soreness or pain along the inner part of the lower leg
- Mild swelling
- The pain may stop when you are running or exercising, but in course of time it continues
Causes of Shin Splints
- Tight Achilles and calf muscles
- An inexperienced runner just beginning to run
- Running in worn down shoes
- A sudden increase in faster running (speed work)
- Running on uneven terrain
- A sudden change from soft to hard running surfaces
- Running in worn down shoes
- Excessive uphill running
- Poor running mechanics which include excessive forward lean, excessive weight on the ball of the foot, running with toes pointed outward, landing too far back on the heels causing the foot to flap down, and over pronation.
Treatment of Shin Splints
In mild case, one can continue with one’s training, but in severe case one may have to take time off from running. In such cases rest and ice may be required to reduce the inflammation. To continue running with pain, one needs to take medication before practice. Also hot towels, heat pack or whirlpool for 15-20 minutes can help. It will loosen up the area as well as provide comfort, but will not solve the problem.
Shin splints does cause a lot of discomfort. It, like any other foot pain, requires medical attention.
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