Summary about Disease
Shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), is pain along the shinbone (tibia) caused by overuse. It's common in runners, dancers, and other athletes. The pain results from inflammation where muscles, tendons, and bone tissue connect to the tibia.
Symptoms
Pain or tenderness along the inner side of the shinbone (tibia)
Pain that worsens with exercise
Pain that may be sharp or dull and throbbing
Pain that is initially present at the start of exercise and may subside during the activity, only to return after stopping.
In severe cases, pain may be present even at rest.
Mild swelling in the lower leg.
Tenderness to the touch along the shin.
Causes
Overuse: Repeated high-impact activities, especially running and jumping
Sudden increase in exercise: Rapidly increasing the intensity, duration, or frequency of workouts
Improper footwear: Shoes that lack proper support or cushioning
Running on hard surfaces: Concrete or asphalt
Flat feet or rigid arches: These can alter biomechanics and increase stress on the shins
Weak ankle, hip, or core muscles: These can contribute to poor biomechanics.
Improper stretching: Lack of flexibility in the leg muscles.
Medicine Used
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) can reduce pain and inflammation. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help with pain but does not reduce inflammation.
Topical anti-inflammatory creams/gels: May provide localized pain relief.
Corticosteroid injections: In rare, severe cases, a doctor may inject corticosteroids into the area around the shinbone to reduce inflammation. However, this is not a first-line treatment due to potential side effects.
Is Communicable
Shin splints are not communicable. It is a condition caused by overuse and biomechanical factors, not by an infectious agent.
Precautions
Proper footwear: Wear supportive shoes with good cushioning. Replace athletic shoes regularly.
Gradual increase in activity: Increase the intensity, duration, or frequency of workouts gradually.
Cross-training: Alternate high-impact activities with low-impact activities such as swimming or cycling.
Stretching: Stretch your calf muscles and hamstrings regularly.
Strengthening exercises: Strengthen your ankle, hip, and core muscles.
Run on soft surfaces: When possible, run on grass or a track instead of concrete or asphalt.
Orthotics: If you have flat feet or rigid arches, consider using orthotics to provide support.
Listen to your body: Stop exercising if you feel pain.
Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce stress on the lower legs.
How long does an outbreak last?
The duration of shin splints can vary depending on the severity of the condition and how well it's managed. With proper rest and treatment, symptoms can resolve within 2 to 4 weeks. However, in more severe cases, it may take several months for the pain to completely disappear. If you continue to exercise through the pain, recovery can be significantly prolonged, and it can lead to more serious conditions like stress fractures.
How is it diagnosed?
Physical examination: A doctor will examine your lower leg for tenderness, swelling, and pain along the shinbone.
Medical history: The doctor will ask about your activities, training routine, and any recent changes in your exercise habits.
X-rays: X-rays are usually not necessary to diagnose shin splints, but they may be ordered to rule out other conditions, such as stress fractures.
Bone scan or MRI: These imaging tests may be used in more complex cases to rule out other causes of shin pain, such as stress fractures or bone tumors.
Timeline of Symptoms
Early stages: Pain usually starts as a mild ache along the shinbone, often at the beginning of exercise. The pain may subside during the activity, only to return after stopping.
Intermediate stages: Pain becomes more frequent and intense, occurring earlier in the workout and lasting longer afterward. Tenderness to the touch along the shinbone.
Advanced stages: Pain is present even at rest and can interfere with daily activities. Swelling may be present. Increased risk of developing a stress fracture.
Important Considerations
Rest is crucial: Continuing to exercise with shin splints can worsen the condition and lead to more serious injuries.
Differentiate from stress fractures: Stress fractures present with pinpoint pain directly on the bone, whereas shin splints is a more diffuse pain along the shin.
Seek professional help: If your pain is severe or does not improve with rest and home treatment, consult a doctor or physical therapist.
Prevention is key: Implementing preventive measures, such as proper footwear, gradual training increases, and stretching, can help reduce your risk of developing shin splints.
Address biomechanical issues: Identify and correct any underlying biomechanical issues that may be contributing to your shin splints, such as flat feet or weak hip muscles.