About this topic
Shin splints is pain at the inside edge of your shin bone or tibia. There are two muscles that attach on the inside of your shin bone. They help move your foot in all directions and keep it stable. ‚
These muscles are sometimes used too much. This may happen in people who run, jump, or do activities that have lots of starting and stopping. If this happens, the muscles, tendons, and tissue that cover the bone can get swollen and hurt. This causes shin splints. The name doctors may use is medial tibial stress syndrome. ‚
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What are the causes?
- Using the muscles in the lower leg too much. This may be from running, jumping, dancing, or sports where you need to start and stop often.
- A sudden increase in how far or how hard you are training
- Not taking enough time to rest during runs or workouts
- Tiny cracks in the bone. These are stress fractures.
- Swelling in the calf area that puts pressure on muscles, nerves, and blood vessels.
What can make this more likely to happen?
You are more likely to have problems with shin splints if you are active in sports. Playing tennis and other racquet sports, running, basketball, gymnastics, dance all cause you to start and stop often. This puts a lot of strain on the muscles in your lower leg. So does having flat feet or wearing shoes that do not fit the right way. Running on hills, inclines, or hard surfaces may cause shin splints. Some people have this problem while in military training. Others have shin splints if their heel cords or calf muscles are tight. ‚
What are the main signs?
You may have pain and soreness at the inner shinbone. It may get worse with activity, especially the first steps you take in the morning. Often, it will get better with rest. Your lower leg may be sore to the touch, swollen, and red. ‚
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will feel around your leg and foot. Your doctor may push and pull on your leg to check your motion and strength. Your doctor may also have you walk, rise up on your toes, and check your shoes. The doctor may order: ‚
- X-ray to look for small cracks
- Bone or MRI scan
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- Rest. Allow your injury to heal before you do slow movements.
- Ice
- Compression
- Elevation
- Suggest proper footwear
- Inserts for your shoes
- Brace or walking boot
- Crutches for very bad pain or stress fractures
- Exercises
- Surgery is rarely needed
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Warm up slowly and stretch your muscles before you work out. Use good ways to train, such as slowly adding to how far you run. Do not work out if you are overly tired. Take extra care if working out in cold weather.
- Stay active and work out to keep your muscles strong and flexible.
- Take breaks often when doing things that use repeat movements.
- Avoid walking or running on uneven surfaces.
- Wear shoes with good support. Consider wearing arch supports if you have flat feet.
- If you are a runner, replace your shoes every 350 to 500 miles.
- Try swimming, biking, or walking instead of running to lessen the impact on your shins.
- Keep a healthy weight so there is not extra stress on your joints.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00407 ‚
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This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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