Shin Splints

Your leg contains two bones.  The larger bone is the tibia, and the thinner bone is the fibula.  The tibialis anterior muscle connects at the front of the tibia.  You use your tibialis anterior muscle to move your foot upward and control the lowering of your forefoot when you walk.  The tibialis posterior muscle attaches at the back inside edge of the tibia and fibula.  You use your tibialis posterior muscle to turn your foot inward and down and lift your heal when walking. 

Shin splints is the term for pain that occurs on the front or inside edge of the tibia or "shinbone". 

The pain occurs when the edge of the tibialis muscles pull away from the bone from repeated stress or overuse.  This causes the muscles and the covering of the bone (periosteum) to become inflamed. 

 

Overused muscles from running or jumping most commonly cause shin splints.  They can occur in athletes that play sports that require quick starts and stops, such as basketball or tennis.  Shin splints commonly occur in people that participate in more athletic activity than their bodies are prepared for.  Shin splints can also result from wearing shoes with poor shock absorption or running on hard surfaces. 

 

Shin splints are described as anterior or posterior, depending on the muscle groups involved.  Anterior shin splints usually result from using improper form while taking strides or running downhill.  Posterior shin splints are typically related to an imbalance in leg muscles or flat feet.

Your doctor can diagnose shin splints after reviewing your medical history and completing a physical examination.  You should tell your doctor about your symptoms, exercise activities, and the types of shoes that you wear.  X-rays will be ordered to rule out stress fractures.  In select cases, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan may be ordered to show a more detailed view of your tendons and bones.

The majority of shin splints resolve with rest.  It is helpful to stop the activity that caused the condition until your symptoms go away.  Anti-inflammatory medication and cold packs may ease your pain.  In rare cases, cortisone injections are used to treat pain.

 

Your doctor may recommend shoes that are appropriate for your sport or activity.  If you have flat feet, it may be beneficial to use an arch support.  Specialists can fabricate custom made orthotic insoles for your shoes.

 

Your doctor may refer you to physical therapy for pain control, rehabilitation, and training tips.  Physical therapists can provide treatments to reduce your pain.  They can teach you how to stretch and strengthen your muscles.  You will also learn correct postures and form to improve your running style and suggestions for avoiding muscle overuse.

The recovery process is different for everyone.  The length of your recovery period depends on many factors including the extent, type, and location of your injury and the type of treatment that you receive.  Your doctor will let you know what to expect.

You can prevent shin splints by preparing your body before intense exercise with strengthening and conditioning exercises.  Rest when you need to and do not overdo it.  Instead, increase your exercise program gradually.  Use proper form when you walk, jog, or run.  It is helpful to exercise on level surfaces that help to absorb impact.  Make sure that you are wearing the correct athletic shoes, arch supports, or insoles for your activity.