Shin Splints

 

 

 

 

Shin splints is the general term given to pain at the front of the lower leg. Shin splints itself is not an actual diagnosis, but more of an umbrella term for shin pain that could be a result of many different causes.

The following are some classifications of shin splints:

Anterior compartment syndrome
Periostitis
Stress fracture of the tibia

Anterior compartment syndrome - this is when the muscle at the front of the shin (tibialis anterior) becomes too big for the sheath that surrounds it and as a result pain occurs.

Periostitis - this is when the sheath surrounding the shin bone (tibia) becomes inflamed.

Stress fracture of the tibia - stress fractures occur due to excessive force being placed upon the bone. A stress fracture is not a typical bone fracture where you cannot walk, but more of a soft tissue type of injury.

The type of pain felt is often similar no matter what the underlying cause is, however, the relationship of pain to exercise can give some clues as to what is happening at a cellular level.

The following table gives an example of when patients report pain in relationship to exercise for each classification of shin splints:

                         Start          During        After exercise    At rest

Compartment     Absent       Maximal       Moderate             Absent  

Periostitis          Maximal     Minor           Minor                   Minor

Stress frac         Maximal     Maximal      Moderate              Minor


Treatment

Treatment of shin splints is fairly straight forward as long as the condition is treated early and the underlying cause is found and corrected. There are many causes as to why shin splints occur such as poor footwear, incorrect training programmes, biomechanical factors of the lower limb, muscle tightness, muscle weakness etc.

At James Grigg Injury Clinic the goal is to always find out why the injury has occurred and correct the underlying factors.

To receive the best treatment for your discomfort arrange an appointment today or if you have any questions please feel free to email