- 3 Blackberry Court, Walnut Tree, Milton Keynes, MK7 7PB
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Shin splints is the term for lower leg pain occurring below the knee, either on the front of the leg or the inside of the leg. This pain often plagues novice runners who do not build their mileage gradually or experienced runners who suddenly change their regime.
It is also known as medial tibial stress syndrome and is usually caused by repeated trauma to the connective tissues surrounding the tibia. There are other causes of pain at the front of the shin such as stress fracture or compartment syndrome so accurate diagnosis is key to receiving the correct treatment.
Various factors cause shin splints such as over pronation (flat feet), inadequate stretching and overloading of the lower leg due to biomechanical irregularities and repetitive stress. Wearing worn shoes for running and always running in one direction on a track or camber can contribute to the development of shin splints.
The main symptom of shin splints is pain in the shin bones on the front or side of the lower leg. The pain tends to start soon after starting exercise, gradually improve when resting but it can become constant even when resting. It can be dull and achy but may become increasingly sharp or severe. It can affect both shins over a large area and can produce swelling.
Shin splints are usually diagnosed by our practitioners or sports doctors after a consultation and a physical examination. In some cases an MRI may be required to differentiate between a stress fracture and shin splints.
We would recommend you see our physios who specialise in biomechanical assessments and running style. They will give you advice on stretches and exercises and on appropriate footwear and help you with a graduated return to exercise.
Check out our services pages to find out more about these therapies. Practitioners are trained to treat most conditions but do this in slightly different ways. They work together to find the best treatment most suited to your condition.
After a thorough assessment your physiotherapist will devise a graduated programme of exercises and stretches. You will have to rest from your sport. Ice and anti-inflammatories help. Orthotics are sometimes indicated to correct the biomechanical imbalance. Occasionally injections are used by our Musculoskeletal Medicine Doctors and Sport & Exercise Medicine Doctors for difficult cases.
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