Shin Splints
- Introduction
- 1 Blisters
- 2 IlioTibial Band Friction Syndrome
- 3 Achilles Tendinopathy
- 4 Shin Splints
- 5 Shoulder Bursitis
What are Shin Splints?
Shin Splints is a misleading term for any general shin pain and most sports medicine professionals try to avoid using it because shin pain and Shin Splints can be due to several different conditions. One of the most common shin conditions that is labelled Shin Splints is Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome.
Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome is fairly common in Triathletes, where there is shin pain on the inner side of the shin during running and also following load-bearing activities. The other shin problems that get labelled Shin Splints, such as Compartment Syndrome and Stress Fracture, must be ruled out by an experienced sports doctor or physiotherapist.
What can you do to prevent Shin Splints?
The stress on the shins can be minimised by supportive running shoes and adding Shock Absorbing Insoles. As well as reducing the load on the shins, the risk of Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome could be reduced further by addressing problems such as flat feet (excessive pronation) with Arch Supports.
What should you do if you suffer from Shin Splints?
Physiotherapy treatment involves rest, strengthening and stretching exercises, and then a gradual return to running once symptoms have resolved. An assessment of body alignment, particularly of the lower limbs, is important to correct faults that may predispose the shins to excessive stress.
A common cause of Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome is excessive pronation during running. This would be identified during body alignment analysis and can be corrected with Arch Supporting Insoles.
A Cho Pat Shin Splint Compression Sleeve is often helpful in alleviating mild shin pain. The elasticated fabric and upper and lower Velcro fasteners apply additional compression and support across the muscles and tendons of the lower leg, which reduces stress on the inside of the shin.
