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Shin Splints

  • Overview

    Shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) accounts for 6-16% of injuries among runners. It’s defined as pain along the either side of shin bone that occurs due to exercise.

     

    Cause:

    The cause of shin splints is thought to be from repetitive stress on the shin bone and tendons that to it.

     

    Risk factors:

    - Sudden increase in running distance, intensity or frequency

    - Poor footwear

    - Flat feet or high arch

    - Reduced muscle length in calf or hamstrings

    - Reduced control of foot muscles

    - Poor ankle strength

     

    Physiotherapy treatment:

    - For acute pain relief: ice cup massage and stretching

    - Gait & run analysis: To examine your running technique to see if there is any biomechanical causes

    - Orthotics

    - Activity modification: balance of maintaining cardiovascular fitness without aggravating the shins

    - Periosteal acupuncture pecking: Tapping on the surface of the shin bone with acupuncture to stimulate healing

    - Examining and address lower limb muscle imbalances

    - Shockwave therapy

     

    Prevention:

    Current evidence comparing insoles, foam pads, alternative footwear, Achilles stretch and gradual program has shown only “Shock absorbent orthotics” to reduce the risk of shin splints in young male athletes.

     

    Request an appointment with our Physiotherapist

     

    References:

    Craig (2000). Medial tibial stress syndrome: Evidence-based prevention

    Thacker et al. (2001). The prevention of shin splints in sports: a systematic review of literature