Shin Splints!!


I see alot of patients with what they call shin splints, mainly runners and footballers.

The term shin splints is used to describe pain along the tibia, the use of this term is not pathologically precise! There are multiple causes with defined pathophysiologies that lead to a more specific diagnosis of shin pain. It’s important to have a more accurate and specific diagnosis of shin pain which will allow for a better treatment plan and a quicker return to sport. Shin pain generally involves one or more of the following pathologies:

  • Stress Fracture

  • Vascular Insufficiency

  • Inflammation

  • Raised Intracompartmental Pressure

  • Nerve Entrapment

The most important issue once the shin pain has been diagnosed is to find the root cause without eliminating the cause the pain will most likely return. Simply changing your footwear and having your running gait analysed can make a big effect on changing any biomechanical issues.

Changing your training program and making sure you have adequate recovery to help prevent muscle imbalances or stress fractures occurring, regular sports massage, mobilisation of the ankle joint and stretching can also help.

If you have any questions please feel free to call for advice. Back








 
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