Shin Splints

SHIN SPLINTS

DEFINITIONS & ANATOMY

AKA: Tibial Stress Syndrome

Location is based on the muscles that are involved
Anterior: pain is located on the outside (lateral) upper portion of the lower leg, Anterior Tibialis, Extensor Digitorum and Extensor Hallicus muscles
Medial: pain is located on the inside (medial) lower portion of the lower leg, Posterior Tibialis, Flexor Digitorum and Flexor Hallicus muscles
Lateral: pain is located behind and under the ourside (lateral) of the ankle bones, Peroneous Longus, Peroneus Brevis

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Pain is usually described as an ache that is located in three areas of the lower leg
Usually worsens with activity but can be severe enough that it occurs just while walking
Usually develops over a period of time and can have swelling over the involved area

CAUSATIVE FACTORS

Primary mechanism is from excessive inward movement, hyperpronation, of the foot, causing stresses on the muscles
If walker or runner is not in shape then it could be from over use of muscles
If the walker or runner is more experienced then it is from changes of terrain (hills and crowned roads, or hard surfaces) and increased mileage
Shoes that do not match foot type for maximum support and fit*
Muscle imbalances between the anterior and medial (posterior) either due to strength differences or flexibility
Biomechanical abnormalities of the spine, pelvis, leg length abnormalities and joint laxity all resulting in excessive stresses
Training errors such as running on crowned roads, up and down hills, increased mileage, coming off injury too soon, or simply to fast too soon

TREATMENT CONSIDERATIONS

Use of ice to reduce pain and control inflammation and swelling
Stretching the involved muscle groups
Wearing appropriate shoes that match foot structure to allow proper movement and support of the foot’s arch
Rest and decrease activities that reproduce pain
If contributing factors are due to hyperpronation (rolling inward) of the feet causing the biomechanical stresses then custom made Stabilizing Orthotics should be considered to support the arches of the feet and control excessive movement
Get an analysis of your gait cycle (running or walking form) from a biomechanical professional