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.

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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