What are Shin Splints?
What is it:
Shin splints, medically known as medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), refer to pain along the shinbone (tibia), the large bone in the front of the lower leg. The condition occurs when the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue around the shinbone become inflamed or irritated. Shin splints often result from repetitive stress on the shinbone and the connective tissues that attach muscles to the bone.
Do I have Shin Splints?
The main signs and symptoms of shin splints are as follows:
Pain along the inner edge of the shinbone
Pain that is dull and achy initially but can progress to a sharper sensation during physical activity like running
Tenderness or soreness to the touch along the shinbone.
Swelling or inflammation
Pain that is usually broad and not pin-pointed to one spot
How Do You Get Shin Splints?
There can be several causes to shin splints, but here are the main culprits:
Overuse: Engaging in high-impact activities or suddenly increasing the intensity or duration of exercise without adequate conditioning can strain the muscles and bones of the lower leg, leading to shin splints.
Poor biomechanics: Issues with foot arches, gait abnormalities, or improper footwear can increase the risk of developing shin splints by placing excessive stress on the lower leg.
Running on hard surfaces: Constant running on concrete or other hard surfaces can exacerbate the impact on the lower leg, increasing the likelihood of developing shin splints.
Muscle imbalances: Weakness or tightness in certain muscles, particularly those of the lower leg and glutes, can alter biomechanics and contribute to shin splints.
What Should I Do if I have Shin Splints?
You can continue to run if you have shin splints, but it is important to make sure that the pain is less than 3/10 on the pain scale and that it does not last for extended periods of time following your run. If you begin to have moderate to severe pain, you should stop or alter the movement. While you are still able to run, you should decrease your overall training load in order to allow for tissue healing. Try incorporating cross-training so you can minimize load while still maintaining cardiovascular fitness. Lastly, you should see a physical therapist so that they can work with you to create a tailored strength program and analyze your gait to make sure you are running efficiently.
Treatment Options
Class IV Laser: A modality that increases the cellular metabolism (promotes tissue healing) and decreases pain
Dry Needling: Decrease pain and inflammation in order to accelerate tissue healing, improves range of motion and decreases tissue tension
Soft Tissue Mobilization/Scraping: Improve tissue mobility and increases blood flow to promote healing
Strength and Mobility Training: Improve your running mechanics as well as hip stability and correcting any imbalances to decrease the load going through your shins
If you suffer from shin splints and want to get rid of them for good, we are here to help! Schedule a FREE discovery visit with us now to see how we can help you.
Written by Dr. Olivia Covin, PT, DPT
