The muscles surrounding the calf and shin are powerful and help to propel the body forward during running and walking. These muscles, as well as the shin itself, are prone to overuse injuries such as shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome) and Achilles tendinopathy.
These types of injury are often minor and can be managed using the principles of POLICE under the guidance of a physiotherapist. Occasionally, more severe trauma can occur in the form of fractures or an Achilles tendon rupture.
If you have had a traumatic injury and are unable to weight bear, you must seek urgent medical assessment. For non-traumatic injuries, management involves a combination of strengthening and progressive loading using the principles of POLICE under the guidance of a physiotherapist.