The term "shin splints" refers to pain along the edge of the shinbone (tibia) and typically develops after a sudden increase in physical activity. Runners, football players, dancers and those in the military are particularly susceptible to developing shin splints.
Shin splints or medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) involves the inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue around your shin bone (tibia). Pain typically occurs along the border of the tibia, where the muscles attach to the bone.
Shin splints result from excessive amounts of force on the shin bone and the tissues attaching the shin bone to the muscles surrounding it. This may result in a stress reaction of the coating around the bone (periosteum). Persistent load on the shin bone can cause small cracks in the tibia. The body can repair, if given time to rest and forces are managed. However, if the body doesn’t get time to rest, the tiny cracks can result in a complete fracture or a stress fracture.
Podiatrists and physiotherapists can assist in helping to manage those loads and allow for a pain free transition back to sport. The podiatrists at Complete Feet Podiatry have found great success in managing shin splints and allowed their patients to return to sport pain free.
If you feel you are developing shin splints, please book an assessment appointment with the Sports Podiatrists at Complete Feet Podiatry.