"Shin splints" is a general term used for injury or inflammation and pain to the front or interior of the lower leg. Causes of symptoms are usually from sports, exercise and wear and tear from excessive use, such as in long distance runners, gymnasts and frequent walkers. This painful condition involves injury and inflammation to ligaments or to the tibia, the large front bone below the knee in the lower leg. This bony area is also referred to as the shin, which is why general pain in this area was commonly lumped together as shin splints.
This pain is typically felt in the medial (inside) and posterior (back) area of the leg and is therefore correctly termed medial tibial stress syndrome or fracture.
Symptoms of Shin Splints
Medial tibial stress fractures are the most common stress fractures in athletes but symptoms are often confused for other ailments and injuries of the lower legs. The pain caused by a stress fracture is usually quite different from pain caused by other syndromes and injuries.
Stress fracture pain usually builds up gradually during running, jogging, gymnastics or exercise from an irritating discomfort or numbness to a throbbing pain. Pain may also be felt when the toes or ankle are pointed downwards. Tenderness may also be felt on the bone near the area of damage and if severe, a hard nodule may develop on the bone at the site.
Running on Uneven or Downhill Surfaces Can Injure Bone and Ligaments
Causes of medial tibial stress fractures include running on uneven surfaces or downhill, weak muscles in the front of the lower leg in comparison to the back, obesity or being overweight, over pronation of the foot (rolling the foot to the inside and flattening the arch during movement), wearing inappropriate shoes and exercising too hard after a period of no or little activity.
It is also caused by beginning high levels of physical training suddenly instead of gradually, as the untrained muscles fatigue faster and lose their ability to absorb shock which is then transferred to the bone. In some case nutrients lacking in the diet may cause susceptibility to stress fractures in the tibia bone.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Tibial Fractures
Tibial stress fractures can be diagnosed by a doctor or podiatrist based on a physical examination and history of the patient. Diagnosis may be confirmed with an X-ray, MRI or bone scan.
Treatment for medial tibial stress fractures include rest, massaging the area with an ice compress, arch supports, anti-inflammatory medications, taping or bracing the lower leg, wearing supporting shoes, athletic training and exercise on softer surfaces as well as physical therapy which strengthens the front lower leg muscles and changes in diet to strengthen bones. Custom orthotics such as Pro-tec and compression sleeves for the lower leg may be prescribed by a doctor or orthopedic specialist.
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Reference:
Noreen Kassem - Noreen Kassem is a hospital doctor based in London, UK. She has extensive experience in clinical research and an undergraduate honors ...
