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Shin Splints - Downloand PDF
What are Shin Splints?
Shin Splints (medial tibial stress syndrome) are a term for pain occurring in the front of the lower leg from an inflammation of the tendons (posterior tibialis, flexor digitorum longus, and/or soleus) or the bone (tibia). Stress fractures and compartment syndromes are other medically serious conditions that can cause pain in the same area of the leg.
Symptoms
Shin splints are characterized by pain in the front of the lower leg that may vary from mild to severe. The pain may persist even after activity is halted. Localized inflammation over the front and inside of the leg may also be present.
Causes
Shin Splints are usually caused from repetitive high impact activities such as running and jumping on hard surfaces or sports which involve frequent starting and stopping of movement. Improper shoe wear especially a lack of support in the arch of the shoe can increase the strain on the muscles that support arch (posterior tibialis) especially if you have a flat foot (over pronated or pes planus). Improper running form can also cause splints and is often due to runners over striding and impacting the ground with their foot in front of their body versus underneath them. When the foot strikes in front it causes a breaking action and increases the ground impact forces to the lower leg and rest of the body.
Physical Therapy Treatment
Initially the RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) may be recommended, but as that may ease the initial pain, it is important to determine why the shin splints were developed. Complete rest may also not be necessary but a modification of current activities to allow the inflammation to resolve. A physical therapist can help evaluate your foot type and assist in determining if you are in the correct shoe for you. They may also recommend an over the counter or customized insert for your shoes. They can also analyze running and jumping form to determine if specific muscles are not flexible or strong enough leading to increased strain of the anterior leg. From that information, they can work on specific exercises to correct the problems in form so the pain will not occur in the future. Specific techniques to help the inflammation such as modalities and massage may also be started immediately.
Mann, RA: Biomechanics of running. In D'Ambrosia, RD and Drez, D(eds):Prevention and Treatment of Running Injuries, ed 2. Slack, New Jersy, 1989
Kluig K, Burnfield J, Reischl s, Requejo S, Blanco C, Thordarson D. Effect of Foot Orthoses on Tibialis Posterior Activation in Persons with Pes Planus. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 37:1:24-9, 2005. Sahrman S. Diagnosis and Treatment of Movement Impairment Syndromes. Mosby: St. Louis, 2002
