Shin Splints / Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome

Shin splint or medial tibia stress syndrome is characterized by pain along the front or inside of tibia (shin bone), which is commonly caused by overuse or too much repetitive stress on tibia and surrounding tissue. This condition often occurs in runners and those who participate in sports with sudden stop and start. It is not a serious condition, but it can cause serious complications if it is not treated correctly.

Symptoms include:

• Dull, diffuse and aching pain (post exercise and next morning)
• Pain reduced with warm-up
• Minor swelling

Risk Factors:

• Increase in activity, decrease in recovery
• Poor biomechanics (eg. pronated foot)
• Inappropriate footwear
• Poor flexibility (eg. calf tightness)
• Training error

Assessment – The podiatrists at toe-tal will diagnose the condition through a physical examination and biomechanical assessment and go through all the necessary treatments listed below to help get you on the right path. 

Treatment: – It is important to follow a rehabilitation program so your injury doesn’t reoccur.

1. REST or decrease in training – (talk to Podiatrist about when you can fully return to activity )
2. Apply ICE over the painful area for 15 minutes
3. Take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain, maximum 7 days
4. Stretching and strengthening exercises – (talk to podiatrist what exercises require to do)
5. Correct biomechanics
6. Footwear advice/modification – (talk to the podiatrist at toe-tal about what footwear suits your foot best)
7. Orthotic therapy
8. Soft tissue therapy, such as dry needling
9. Low-impact rehabilitation exercises, such as swimming and cycling
10. Exercises and training program modification