What Are Shin Splints?

1
What are shin splints?
2
Shin splints is an umbrella term that has been
used for many years, especially in sporting
circles, to describe any pain in the shin that
worsens with activity. Shin pain is common among
both elite and amateur athletes and can be quite
debilitating, sometimes to the point of having to
stop or limit activity.
3
What are shin splints?

• The correct term for the most common form of shin
  pain is medial tibial periostitis or medial
  tibial stress syndrome (MTSS). The symptoms of
  this condition are pain on the medial (inner)
  side of the shin that begins or worsens with
  activity, tenderness to touch and sometimes
  warmth/swelling in the area.

4
MTSS is due to an excessive amount of pull on the
outer surface of the shin bone (the periosteum)
by muscles or fascia, the tissue that holds the
body together. Over time, increased pressure on
the periosteum results in an inflammatory
process, leading to pain and loss of function.
5
Factors in MTSS

• Change in training  increased frequency/intensity
  etc
• Exercise surface  firmer or more uneven than
  usual
• Poor footwear old or overly flexible shoes that
  do not provide enough support for the foot
• Incorrect technique foot rolling in, knee
  dropping in etc

6
Stages of Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome

• Mild Pain only during or after intense exercise
• Moderate Pain during moderate intensity activitie
  s and occasionally during basic activities like
  walking
• Severe Pain with all activities with the
  possibility of progressing to a stress fracture
  in the bone

7
What can you do to fix your shin splints?

• If you are getting shin pain, it is best to have
  it properly assessed to ensure that you are not
  doing more damage by continuing to play sport or
  exercise.
• Until you can have your shin splints assessed,
  you should
• Rest from aggravating activities
• Apply ice after anything that causes pain

8
Longer term treatment will consist of correcting
any technique issues, reviewing footwear and
training type/intensity and relative rest until
symptoms have settled down.Strengthening and
stretching exercises are also essential to ensure
that the pain does not return once you resume
your normal activities.http//northwestphysio.com
.au/