Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS), commonly referred to as shin splints is a common condition and can be very debilitating. At Blackberry Clinic our practitioners offer treatment for shin splints and can help you manage the condition to get you back on track. Our physio, Steve Hockham, gives some information here about MTSS, what the symptoms are and how it can be managed.
Common in runners and sports involving running/jumping. Medial Tibial Stress Response refers to pain in the medial (inside) shin. This usually affects the tibia in the lower or middle third.
Symptoms
Pain develops gradually in response to repetitive load and micro-trauma to the bone. It usually presents as a persistent ache while running/loading. Pain can become intense when pressure is applied to the affected area. Pain can also be caused by tight structures in the calf causing traction along the bone where the soft tissue attaches.
The good news is that while management of training load is key to treating this condition, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to stop running or participating in your sport, however sound advice from a qualified professional is vital to ensure it isn’t allowed to progress into a more serious situation.
There are numerous things to consider when establishing the nature or MTSS.
Risk Factors
· Increased body weight
· Increased mileage/overall load
· Movement dysfunction/bio-mechanical issues
· Poor strength and conditioning
· Calf/ankle mobility issues
· Inappropriate footwear
· Poor technique
· Vitamin D or Calcium deficiency
· A history of stress response/stress fracture.
Treatment
· Management of load/advice on training structure
· Advice on recovery strategies
· Soft tissue techniques/joint mobilisations
· Gait and movement analysis
· Advice on strength and conditioning
· Taping
· Orthotics
Don’t put up with medial shin pain! If you seek treatment early on it will help to ensure it doesn’t progress into a more serious condition.
If you require orthotics we offer Phits orthotics and our Phits trained experts are India Cooke, Tory Temple-Murray and Lorena Solarte.
Book in with one of our physio team for a full assessment to establish the cause as soon as you notice symptoms developing, to minimise any disruption to your training.
Physiotherapist
