Shin Splints

The term “Shin Splints” refers to pain felt in the front of the lower leg.

Medically, shin splints are known as medial tibial stress syndrome.

Common causes of shin splints include:

👣 Failure to warm up properly

👣 Recent increase in training intensity

👣 Running on hard or inclined surfaces

👣 Poor technique

👣 Foot abnormalities

👣 Compartment syndrome

👣 Biomechanical factors

👣 Muscle weakness

Symptoms:

👣 Usually come on gradually

👣 Pain starts as a dull ache on the side of the shin that intensifies with exercise

👣 There may also be swelling present

Differential diagnosis:

👣 Stress fracture

👣 Chronic compartment syndrome

Treatment:

👣 Avoid overdoing it- too much to too high intensity

👣 Wear correct footwear

👣 Consider orthotics to offload affected structures

👣 Add strengthening to training program

👣 Gait re-training

What can Podiatrists do:

👣 Gait analysis- to analyse movement patterns

👣 Prescribe orthotics

👣 Exercise program