What is shin splints?
Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome) is an inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue around your tibia. Pain typically occurs along the inner border of the tibia, where muscles attach to the bone.
In general, shin splints develop when the muscle and bone tissue (periosteum) in the leg become overworked by repetitive activity.
Shin splints often occur after sudden changes in physical activity. These can be:
- Changes in frequency, such as increasing the number of days you exercise each week
- Changes in duration, such as running longer distances
- Changes in intensity, such as running on hills after running on only flat surfaces
Other factors that contribute to shin splints include:
- Having flat feet or abnormally rigid arches
- Exercising with improper or worn-out footwear
Runners have the highest risk of developing shin splints. Dancers and military recruits are two other groups frequently diagnosed with the condition.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of shin splints is pain along the border of the tibia. Mild swelling in the area may also occur.
Shin splint pain may:
- Be sharp and razor-like or dull and throbbing
- Occur both during and after exercise
- Be aggravated by touching the sore spot
Treatment
- Nonsurgical Treatment
- Rest
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Massage
- Ice
- Compression
- Flexibility exercises
- Supportive shoes
- Orthotics
- Return to exercise
