What are Shin Splints?
Medically referred to as “Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome,” shin splints are a common overuse injury that commonly affect athletes and military personnel. This condition results in shin and lower leg pain that can limit one’s ability to engage in exercise and ambulatory activities of daily living.
What Causes This Condition?
With repeated loading of the tibia, such as with running, microdamage can accumulate in the layers of the bony structure. Inflammation of the periosteum, or outer layer of the bone, is commonly seen in addition to the cortical bone irritation caused by repetitive microtraumas. Muscle fibers in the lower leg attach to the bone through the periosteum. When in an inflamed state, contraction of these muscles can lead to further irritation of this bony layer.
Common History & Symptoms
Those experiencing this condition may share similar history and onset of the condition. Pain will usually begin after increasing running mileage or increasing overall physical activity level without adequate rest. Often, pain will be reported in the lower two thirds of the medial tibial border that is worsened with exercise. Pain will typically be relieved with resting and there is rarely concurrent swelling, numbness or tingling in the lower leg or foot.
Treatment for Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome
Given that this condition is an overuse-related pathology, implementing greater amounts of rest time is important for a rapid recovery. In addition to this, activities should be modified to limit repeated stress through the shin. Physical therapy can be used to improve gait mechanics, reduce muscular tightness and improve strength and stability around the joints of the lower extremity. Manual therapy to be used to improve mobility at a joint that may contribute to poor biomechanics.
If you suffer from medial tibial stress syndrome (shin splints) physical therapy can help provide relief. Call Respire Physical Therapy at 703-671-1871 or click here to schedule an evaluation with a Physical Therapist today and get on the path to pain-free exercise!
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