MTSS occurs when too much stress is placed on the related muscles, and can occur in a variety of sports from dancing all the way to long-distance running. MTSS is classified in to two distinct types, which affect specific tissues on the inside of the shin:<\/p>\n
Type One MTSS<\/strong><\/h3>\nIs characterised by a stress reaction on the inside border of the shin bone. A stress reaction is a preceding stage to a stress fracture.<\/p>\n
Type Two MTSS<\/strong><\/h3>\nIs characterised by irritation of the outer surface (periosteum) of the inside of the shin bone at the point where the soleus and tibialis posterior muscles attach.<\/p>\n
Regardless of the type, MTSS is largely caused by over-use, with those who run regularly on hard or uneven surfaces being particularly affected. However, there are a number of factors, such as altered foot, knee and hip posture, which can make a person susceptible to the syndrome.<\/p>\n
![\"shin](\"https:\/\/www.physioroom.com\/info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/medial_tibial_stress_1.gif\")
<\/p>\n
How to know if you have Shin Splints<\/h2>\n
People suffering from medial tibial stress syndrome will feel pain on the inner border of the shin (medial tibial border) during and following exercise. It is important to distinguish MTSS from other causes of shin pain\/’shin splint’, such as compartment syndrome<\/a> or a tibial stress fracture. This can require a complex run through of investigations, such as bone scans and compartment pressure tests under the supervision of a sports physician or orthopaedic doctor.<\/p>\nHow to Treat Shin Splints<\/h2>\n
Just like with many other conditions and injuries, the PRICE (Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation) protocol is a good place to start. Ice therapy is a super effective form of pain relief in the initial stages of treating your symptoms, so to aid you in this be sure to check out our collection of ice packs and ice wraps<\/a>.<\/p>\nCommonly, patients will respond well to non-operative treatment. This involves rest, strengthening and stretching exercises, followed by a gradual return to running, or other activity, after the original symptoms subside.<\/p>\n
If possible, it can also be beneficial to get in touch with a specialist physiotherapist or podiatrist to fully assess your posture during rest and exercise. This can help in identifying where you can improve your posture and subsequently reduce the chances of your MTSS worsening.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, uncontrolled lowering of the arch while running is another contributor to adding stress to the muscles associated with shin splints. To help you combat this problem, arch supporting orthotic insoles<\/a> are very effective.<\/p>\nDuring the downtime period of recovering from shin splints many people will grow frustrated at the lack of exercise that they are able to complete. However there are great methods of maintaining fitness while allowing the injury to heal out there, such as completing non-weight bearing exercises in the swimming pool by wearing a buoyancy belt<\/p>\n
Of course, in some persistent cases of MTSS that have proved resistant to more conservative treatments, surgery may be necessary.<\/p>\n
How to Prevent Shin Splints<\/h2>\n
Shin splints supports<\/a> and insoles<\/a> can help reduce stress on the shin when exercising which can reduce the risk of shin splints.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Is characterised by irritation of the outer surface (periosteum) of the inside of the shin bone at the point where the soleus and tibialis posterior muscles attach.<\/p>\n
Regardless of the type, MTSS is largely caused by over-use, with those who run regularly on hard or uneven surfaces being particularly affected. However, there are a number of factors, such as altered foot, knee and hip posture, which can make a person susceptible to the syndrome.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
How to know if you have Shin Splints<\/h2>\n
People suffering from medial tibial stress syndrome will feel pain on the inner border of the shin (medial tibial border) during and following exercise. It is important to distinguish MTSS from other causes of shin pain\/’shin splint’, such as compartment syndrome<\/a> or a tibial stress fracture. This can require a complex run through of investigations, such as bone scans and compartment pressure tests under the supervision of a sports physician or orthopaedic doctor.<\/p>\n Just like with many other conditions and injuries, the PRICE (Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation) protocol is a good place to start. Ice therapy is a super effective form of pain relief in the initial stages of treating your symptoms, so to aid you in this be sure to check out our collection of ice packs and ice wraps<\/a>.<\/p>\n Commonly, patients will respond well to non-operative treatment. This involves rest, strengthening and stretching exercises, followed by a gradual return to running, or other activity, after the original symptoms subside.<\/p>\n If possible, it can also be beneficial to get in touch with a specialist physiotherapist or podiatrist to fully assess your posture during rest and exercise. This can help in identifying where you can improve your posture and subsequently reduce the chances of your MTSS worsening.<\/p>\n Furthermore, uncontrolled lowering of the arch while running is another contributor to adding stress to the muscles associated with shin splints. To help you combat this problem, arch supporting orthotic insoles<\/a> are very effective.<\/p>\n During the downtime period of recovering from shin splints many people will grow frustrated at the lack of exercise that they are able to complete. However there are great methods of maintaining fitness while allowing the injury to heal out there, such as completing non-weight bearing exercises in the swimming pool by wearing a buoyancy belt<\/p>\n Of course, in some persistent cases of MTSS that have proved resistant to more conservative treatments, surgery may be necessary.<\/p>\n Shin splints supports<\/a> and insoles<\/a> can help reduce stress on the shin when exercising which can reduce the risk of shin splints.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"How to Treat Shin Splints<\/h2>\n
How to Prevent Shin Splints<\/h2>\n