What is it?
Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome, commonly known as shin splints, refers to pain felt along the inside of the tibia or shin bone. Despite unclear pathology and similar ultrasound results to those unaffected, the pain usually emanates from where the Tibialis Posterior and Flexor Digitorum Longus muscles attach to the tibia, functioning to extend the foot and toes. It’s essential to acknowledge this condition for its significant impact on activity levels, potentially heralding the onset of a stress fracture.
What are the symptoms?
Shin splints are characterized by persistent pain inside the shin, halfway down the lower leg. Pain may emerge during or post-exercise, varying from a prolonged dull ache to a sharp, fleeting pain. If unchecked, the escalating pain can drastically impede activity levels.
What are the causes?
Shin splints are commonly observed in runners who rapidly escalate their distances, often in preparation for an event. Activities involving repetitive weight-bearing, like marching or high-impact sports, can also trigger shin splints. Although the root cause remains elusive, several risk factors have been identified:
- An abrupt spike in activity
- Inadequate footwear and support
- Higher BMI
- Exercising on hard or uneven terrains
- Tense calf muscles
- Pes planus or flat feet
- Enhanced external hip rotation range
- Females being more susceptible than males
- Previous shin splints episodes
- Orthotics usage
How can physiotherapy help?
Your physiotherapist will commence by addressing the underlying factors and recalibrating your training routine. They might suggest relative rest combined with a custom strengthening and flexibility regimen for affected muscles. To preserve fitness during recovery, alternatives like swimming, cycling, and yoga might be beneficial. An assessment of your running technique could identify and rectify training discrepancies. As a preventive measure, it’s typically advised to increase running distances by a maximum of 10% weekly, letting bodily tissues adapt to the augmented demands.
Note: This article’s content isn’t a substitute for genuine medical advice. It’s crucial to consult a medical specialist for tailored guidance.