|
Shin splints can be a very painful and activity-restricting condition. They occur along the medial (inner side) of the
tibia. The middle and lower third of the tibia tends to be the area of tenderness. The two biggest theories about the
cause are swelling in the anterior muscle compartment of the leg, and avulsion of the small fibrous attachments of the
muscle to the shin bone.
While some research has been done in this field, there is no conclusive evidence that one or the
other is the sole cause. What is known is that poor conditioning or strength to these muscles puts someone at greater risk
of developing shin splints. Someone who does relatively little running and all the sudden starts running a couple of miles
a day in practices is prone to develop this condition. Shin splints also occur in elite athletes as a result of “over-use”.
Too many miles or too rapid acceleration of training program may predispose to the onset of shin splints.
To make the diagnosis, one must exclude stress fracture, muscle strain, tendonitis, medial tibial stress syndrome and
exercise induced compartment syndrome.
Treatment of shin splints may include compression, slow warm-up, ice after exercise and use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
medication. Modification of training program is always a part of treatment. Orthotics may be of value in selected cases.
With careful attention to treatment and rehabilitation, shin splints need not seriously disrupt your sport season.
|
