Shin Splints
Shin splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome) are predominantly seen in runners or people that have recently increased their exercise or activity. Also know as medial tibial stress syndrome, shin splints are an overuse injury usually involving the muscle tracking along the medial shin. It presents as diffuse pain along the inside of the tibia which usually decreases when warming up. Pain is usually worst following exercise or the morning after exercise.
NB: Shin splints can also occur at the front of the shin involving tibialis anterior or on the outside of the shin involving peroneal longus and brevis.
Risk Factors
Excessive flat feet or high arched feet
In excessive flat feet the muscles are placed at a relatively lengthened position and contract to slow down the rate of pronation on heel contact (flattening out of the foot) and then again contract to help your foot supinate (become rigid) when pushing off which can cause fatigue and overload of the muscles
A rigid, high arched foot has limited shock absorption thus increasing impact pressure
Training errors
Overtraining or a sudden increase in training
Shoe design
Surface type
Harder surfaces will increase shock through the foot and lower leg
Muscle dysfunction
Fatigue
Decreased flexibility
Treatment
The podiatrists at Pro Podiatry are very experienced in the management and treatment of shin splints. The foundation of treatment is based on symptomatic relief, identification of risk factors, and treating the underlying pathology. Symptomatic treatment can start with rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE). Orthotics in combination with good footwear plays an important role in decreasing load and also decreasing shock. Training loads and strength will also need to be evaluated by your podiatrist to ensure a rapid return to your full physical capabilities.
Shin splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome) are predominantly seen in runners or people that have recently increased their exercise or activity. Also know as medial tibial stress syndrome, shin splints are an overuse injury usually involving the muscle tracking along the medial shin. It presents as diffuse pain along the inside of the tibia which usually decreases when warming up. Pain is usually worst following exercise or the morning after exercise.
NB: Shin splints can also occur at the front of the shin involving tibialis anterior or on the outside of the shin involving peroneal longus and brevis.
Risk Factors
Excessive flat feet or high arched feet
In excessive flat feet the muscles are placed at a relatively lengthened position and contract to slow down the rate of pronation on heel contact (flattening out of the foot) and then again contract to help your foot supinate (become rigid) when pushing off which can cause fatigue and overload of the muscles
A rigid, high arched foot has limited shock absorption thus increasing impact pressure
Training errors
Overtraining or a sudden increase in training
Shoe design
Surface type
Harder surfaces will increase shock through the foot and lower leg
Muscle dysfunction
Fatigue
Decreased flexibility
Treatment
The podiatrists at Pro Podiatry are very experienced in the management and treatment of shin splints. The foundation of treatment is based on symptomatic relief, identification of risk factors, and treating the underlying pathology. Symptomatic treatment can start with rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE). Orthotics in combination with good footwear plays an important role in decreasing load and also decreasing shock. Training loads and strength will also need to be evaluated by your podiatrist to ensure a rapid return to your full physical capabilities.
Shin splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome) are predominantly seen in runners or people that have recently increased their exercise or activity. Also know as medial tibial stress syndrome, shin splints are an overuse injury usually involving the muscle tracking along the medial shin. It presents as diffuse pain along the inside of the tibia which usually decreases when warming up. Pain is usually worst following exercise or the morning after exercise.
NB: Shin splints can also occur at the front of the shin involving tibialis anterior or on the outside of the shin involving peroneal longus and brevis.
Risk Factors
Excessive flat feet or high arched feet
In excessive flat feet the muscles are placed at a relatively lengthened position and contract to slow down the rate of pronation on heel contact (flattening out of the foot) and then again contract to help your foot supinate (become rigid) when pushing off which can cause fatigue and overload of the muscles
A rigid, high arched foot has limited shock absorption thus increasing impact pressure
Training errors
Overtraining or a sudden increase in training
Shoe design
Surface type
Harder surfaces will increase shock through the foot and lower leg
Muscle dysfunction
Fatigue
Decreased flexibility
Treatment
The podiatrists at Pro Podiatry are very experienced in the management and treatment of shin splints. The foundation of treatment is based on symptomatic relief, identification of risk factors, and treating the underlying pathology. Symptomatic treatment can start with rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE). Orthotics in combination with good footwear plays an important role in decreasing load and also decreasing shock. Training loads and strength will also need to be evaluated by your podiatrist to ensure a rapid return to your full physical capabilities.