By Cassie Gulli, SPT
What are shin splints? Shin splints, also referred to as medial tibial stress syndrome in the medical world, are one of the most common and widely known injuries among athletes, especially runners. (Military personal are also likely to sustain shin splints as a result of running in combat boots). Shin splints are the result of overusing the muscles located in the shin which places excessive stress on tibia and fibula, the bones that make up the shin. They typically occur: after an athlete has changed their running routine which may include a change in the surface in which an athlete is training or participating on, improper footwear, changing from lower to higher impact activities, a quick increase running distance, in beginner runners, and from poor running mechanics.
Symptoms of shin splints: A dull, aching pain in front of the lower leg is most common characteristic seen with shin splints. Tenderness to touch may exist. Depending on the stage of the injury, this pain may increase in intensity and be present: 1. during warmups, 2. during warmups and reappear at the end of activity, 3. during the actual activity, or 4. all the time, before, during, and after physical activity.
How can a physical therapist help? Most athletes may think that resting from painful activity is enough to prevent an injury from progressing. This however is not the case. Although rest may be necessary, it is not the only thing that should be considered because rest does not fix the bad habits that have been used for an extended period of time. A physical therapist can assess your running mechanics and identify problem areas that may be contributing to the increased stress within the shin and determine ways to prevent those problems from occurring in the future. These problem areas may include muscle weakness, muscle tightness, poor muscular control resulting in muscles being inactive or active at inappropriate times, or over rolling the foot to either the inside or outside surface while performing activities. At Capital Area Physical Therapy & Wellness, we have a certified strength and conditioning specialist on staff, and would help to design a treatment program that is specific to your individual needs in order to return to activities and prevent further occurrences of shin splints.
CapitalAreaPT.com
Malta, NY
518-289-5242
