Shin Splint

Shin splint or Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) is a common overuse injury among athletes caused by a variety of factors such as overtraining, poor footwear, muscular imbalances, a BMI above 30, and imbalances at the thoracolumbar complex. Symptoms include diffuse palpable pain, tenderness along the posteromedial edge of the tibia, and pain along the middle to distal third of the posteromedial border of the tibia following exercise.

A review article published in Cureus provides a brief overview of MTSS.

MTSS typically causes bilateral soreness and pain in the medial side of the tibia, with the most sensitive area being the posteromedial border of the tibia. Other overuse injuries and conditions should be excluded during examination, including stress fractures, tendinitis, compartment syndrome, and nerve impingement.

Vitamin D deficiency, osteoporosis, and flat feet can increase the risk of shin splints. Diagnostic tools like radiographs, CT scans, and MRI can help identify the severity of MTSS, which is often self-contained and treated with rest, ice, and NSAIDs.

Causes:

Shin splints are caused by persistent strain on the connective tissues that attach muscles to the bone and the shinbone, and usually occur as a result of overuse injuries to the leg’s muscle and bone tissue. They can be caused by abrupt changes in physical activity, such as frequency modifications and length and intensity increases, as well as having flat feet or inflexible arches and exercising in unsuitable or worn-out footwear. Shin splints are most common in runners, as well as military recruits and dancers.

According to survey, the incidence of shin splints is slightly higher in females (55.3%) than in males (44.7%). Shin splints are more frequent in marathon runners depending on the degree of pain and the shoe surface.

Nonsurgical treatment :

Taking several weeks off from the painful activity, and substituting lower-impact exercises. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, ice, compression bandages, flexibility exercises, supportive shoes, orthotics, and supportive insoles can all help in alleviating pain and swelling. After being pain-free for at least two weeks, returning to exercise gradually with stretching and warming up appropriately is recommended.

Several studies evaluated the effectiveness of self-myofascial release using a foam roller or roller massager in improving joint range of motion and reducing muscle soreness. The studies suggest that self-myofascial release may be effective both before and after exercise, but there is currently no consensus on the best program. The causes of medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), a common lower leg injury, are unknown, but risk factors include increased foot pronation, strengthened plantar flexors, and abruptly increased training volume, among others.