What are shin splints?

Exercise-induced knee problems are a common occurrence. Pain along the inside of the shinbone is often referred to as "shin splints" and occurs along the tibia.

Shin splints are most often brought on by strenuous physical exercise. They're often linked to the sport of running. Shin splints may be caused by strenuous exercise, particularly if you're beginning a fitness regimen.

Shin splints can be managed, stretching might be helpful. Shin splints can recur if you push yourself too hard during your workouts.

What is shin splints?

Inflammation of your tibia's muscles, nerves, and bone tissue is known as a shin splint (or more accurately known as medial tibial stress syndrome). The inner border of the tibia, where the muscles join to the bone, is a common site of pain.

What is the cause of shin splints?

Shin splints are caused by overused muscles and bone tissue in the lower leg.

Shin splints are common in people who suddenly alter their exercise routines. Some of these modifications include increasing the number of times you exercise per week. Shin splints may also be caused by changes in length and intensity, such as jogging longer distances or on hills.

The following other factors may also cause shin splints:

·         A condition in which the foot's arch is excessively stiff or flat.

·         Shin splints are most often caused by running in shoes that are too tight or worn out.

Dancers and recruits in the military are two more groups regularly found to be suffering from this condition.

Symptoms

Shin splints are characterised by discomfort around the tibial line. There may also be a little swelling in the affected region.

Shin splints may cause:

·         Either sharp or dull pain

·         Take place both during and following a workout

·         Touching the area may be painful

How can this be diagnosed?

A podiatrist can assess the lower leg with a biomechanical assessment after discussing your symptoms and medical history. Accurate diagnosis is critical to supporting you and guiding you with the appropriate interventions for your condition.

Other shin disorders may need further imaging examinations. Stress fractures and inflammation are just a few possible causes of shin discomfort.

What about other conditions which causes shin pain?

A stress fracture may be diagnosed with imaging. There are many tibia fractures, the most common of which is a "stress fracture." A bone scan and MRI may detect a stress fracture in the tibia.

The muscles and bones are joined together by tendon tissue. Inflammation of the tendons results in tendinitis. A partial tear in the affected tendon might cause discomfort similar to shin splints. Tendonitis may be diagnosed using an MRI.

Shin pain may be a sign of a disorder called recurrent exertional compartment syndrome. Pressure in the muscles may lead to compartment syndrome. Exercising causes chronic exertional contractures in people with the condition. Pain normally subsides shortly after the activity ceases.

Before and after exercise, leg compartment pressure is measured to identify this problem.

What are the treatment options?

Rest. The traditional therapy for shin splints is to take a few weeks off from the action that triggered the discomfort. Swimming, stationary biking, or an aerobic trainer may replace high-impact aerobic exercise during rehabilitation.

Ice. Apply a cold pack for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day. Applying ice straight to the skin might cause burns.

Compression. Additional swelling may be managed by using an elastic compression bandage.

Exercises that improve mobility. Your shins may feel better after stretching the muscles in your lower legs.

A pair of sturdy shoes. Keeping your shins healthy by wearing well-cushioned, fitted, and supportive shoes regularly will help prevent injury.

Orthotics. Orthotics may help those with flat feet or a history of shin splints. You may reduce the strain on your lower leg by using shoe inserts to correct and support your foot and ankle. It is possible to have orthotics manufactured specifically for your feet or buy them "off the shelf."

Get back to working out. Shin splints are typically alleviated with relaxation and the basic therapies indicated above. There must be at least two weeks of no discomfort before you may begin exercising again. The intensity of your workouts must be reduced when they resume. You shouldn't be exercising as often or for as long as you used to, or for as long as you used to.

Preparation is the key to a successful workout, so make sure you warm up to stretch completely. Slowly increase your workouts. Stop exercising immediately if you start to experience the same ache. Rest for a few days with a cold pack on your sore area. Restart your workouts at a lesser intensity. It's best to increase training volume even more slowly than you already do.

Is there surgery for shin splints?

Shin splints seldom require surgical intervention. Surgery has been used in circumstances when nonsurgical therapy has failed. However, it isn't known how successful surgery is at this point.

How can I prevent shin splints?

Shin splints may be avoided by following a few simple steps:

Use athletic footwear that is properly fitted. You can get shoes properly fitted at athletic shoe shops.

Also, ensure you're wearing shoes specifically made for your chosen activity. The use of court-type footwear for extended runs might cause shin pain.

Gradually improve your physical fitness. Your exercise routine should progressively increase in length, intensity, and frequency.

Do some cross-training. Alternate running with low-impact activities like kayaking or cycling.

Book an appointment with our Sydney podiatrists in Bondi Junction to see how we can help you alleviate pain caused by shin splints.