Physiocure | The sports Rehab clinic. Shin Splints - Physiocure

Shin Splints

Shin splints are usually caused more commonly in athletes. Clinically, it is also called a Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome’. Shin splints are pain that commonly occurs either in the front part or the inner part of the lower leg.                                                                   

Shin splints pain causes are as following:-

  1. Flat foot
  2. Training errors including improper strengthening, pre-stretch or warm-ups
  3. Shoe design
  4. Type of road/surface
  5. Reduced bone mineral density
  6. Lack of appropriate recovery time

The most common group of muscles implicated in shin splints are tibialis anterior, tibialis posterior, flexor digitorum longus, and soleus. These are the muscles that are present from below the knee and attach to the ankle joint and hence, also affect function at the ankle joint. Thus, if shin splints are not treated, they may cause long term changes in the biomechanics of your knee and ankle joint leading to other related problems.

What are Shin Splints Symptoms:-

Pain either in the front of your leg or the inner aspect of the calf. It is usually a dull aching pain that increases further with activity. Usually occurs during or immediately after the run and goes away if warm-ups are done. A lot of my clients ask

Will shin splints cause swelling?

My answer is yes and yes….first yes for mild swelling caused due to friction, second yes is for the occasional swelling in adjacent joints like in the ankle joint or the knee joint.

Shin Splints Vs Stress Fracture:-

If your symptoms are widespread and achy in nature, rather than a sharp pain, it could be a simple soft tissue injury. Generally, soft tissue injuries will respond well to the following:

 Ice therapy (15 mins a day, 2-3 times per day)

 Anti-inflammatories

 Stretching exercises

 Prescriptive loading exercises from a physiotherapist

 Offloading (no running)

However, if you’re also experiencing the following, it could be a stress fracture, one of the most common worries for athletes:

 Pain at rest

 Significant increase in severity of pain with impact (weight-bearing > walking > running)

 Pain at night time

 Focal pain at a specific site along the bone

then you must consult an orthopedic ASAP!!

Red Flags:-

Visit a physician immediately if you experience the below:

  1. If pain is at just one spot on the shin, it could be a stress fracture.
  2. If there is swelling, skin becomes shiny and there is excruciating pain, it could be leading up to compartment syndrome.

Examination:-

A proper detailed history of the conditions leading to the symptoms is to be known. For athletes, details about the training program are taken.

The muscle strength and flexibility around the ankle and lower leg are to be evaluated. Your ankle, knee, and gait biomechanics are evaluated, and then accordingly, a treatment program is made.

Treatment:-

Initially, efforts are made to reduce the swelling and tenderness present. This can be done on Acute injury management principles using a combination of rest with cold therapy. Other electrotherapy modalities like TENS, iontophoresis, or ultrasound. Kinesiotaping is also used to provide rest to the muscles and for pain relief.

Once the pain subsides, gentle stretching and strengthening exercises for the appropriate muscles are started. This is necessary to maintain the flexibility and to improve the biomechanics of the joint which was caused due to muscular dysfunction.

here is one of the shin splints exercises to improve ankle mobility that we recommend for runners/athletes experiencing this injury. check it out!!

Along with this, fascia and soft tissue release are also done to relieve any increased pressure within the leg and avoid further swelling. A proper strengthening program for the entire lower extremity including the core is essential and it helps in maintaining a proper posture and balance during running, jogging, etc.

Later, progression is made to neuromuscular functional training which improves muscular dysfunction.

Tips to prevent shin splints:

  1. Appropriate rest is to be taken before the next physical exertion.
  2. Regular foam rolling and/or self release using a tennis ball or a roller is a must for professional athletes.

 

  1. Increase ankle joint strength and flexibility through a training program
  2. Proper shoes are important and they should be reviewed every six months.
  3. It takes approximately 3-6 weeks to recover depending on the severity. So, early return to sports before this period may lead to development of chronic shin splints.

Summary
sports physiotherapist
Service Type
sports physiotherapist
Area
mumbai