What are shin splints?

What are shin splints?

Shin splints, medically known as medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), is a common condition characterized by activity-induced leg pain along the inner edge of the shinbone (tibia). It is often experienced by athletes and individuals who engage in high impact activities that involve repetitive stress on the lower legs, such as running, jumping, or dancing. Shin splints occur when the muscles, tendons, and bone tissues in the shin area become overworked and inflamed.

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Common symptoms of shin splints

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The primary symptom of shin splints is pain and tenderness  along the inner edge of the shinbone. The pain may be described as a dull aching type of pain. It is often aggravated by physical activity, particularly weight-bearing activities, and even upon walking. Decreased length of time the individual can stand and decreased distance and speed of walking are also evident in patients with this condition, which may restrict associated community, work, recreational and sports activities. 

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What causes shin splints?

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The exact cause of shin splints is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a result of several factors, including:

1. Overuse or repetitive stress: Engaging in high-impact activities or increasing the intensity, duration, or frequency of exercise too quickly can strain the muscles and tendons in the lower leg, leading to shin splints.
2. Improper footwear: Wearing shoes that lack proper cushioning and support or that are inappropriate for an exercise can contribute to increased stress on the lower legs.
3. Improper biomechanics: Abnormal foot mechanics, such as overpronation (excessive inward rolling of the foot) or flat feet can place additional strain on the muscles and tendons of the lower leg.

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How can physical therapy help? 

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Physical therapy can be beneficial in the treatment and management of shin splints. A physical therapist can provide targeted interventions to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, address underlying biomechanical issues, and help prevent future occurrences. Here's how physical therapy can help with shin splints:

1. Evaluation and assessment: A physical therapist will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to assess the severity of the shin splints and identify contributing factors. This may involve special tests, assessing your gait, foot mechanics, muscle strength, flexibility, and any imbalances or weaknesses that may be contributing to the condition.
2. Pain management: Physical therapists can utilize various taping techniques and modalities, such as ice therapy, electrical stimulation, or ultrasound, to help reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation in the affected area. These modalities can provide short-term relief and promote healing.
3. Stretching exercises: Specific stretching exercises for the calf muscles, Achilles tendon, and other muscles in the lower leg can help improve flexibility and reduce muscle imbalances. Stretching can alleviate tightness and tension that contribute to shin splints.
4. Strengthening exercises: Physical therapists will prescribe strengthening exercises to target the muscles in the lower leg, including the calf muscles, shin muscles, and the muscles that support the foot and ankle. Strengthening these muscles can help improve stability, muscle performance, muscle endurance and reduce strain on the shin, and prevent future occurrences.
5. Proprioceptive/Balance exercises: This is one of the important components of exercises for patients with shin splints. Improved proprioception will increase efficiency of the joint and the stabilizing muscles to help the body react to surface incongruities. 
6. Gait analysis and correction: Analyzing your walking or running pattern can help identify any biomechanical issues that may be contributing to shin splints. Physical therapists can provide guidance on appropriate gait patterns, and other factors to improve overall mechanics and reduce stress on the shins.
7. Orthotic devices and footwear recommendations: Physical therapists may recommend the use of orthotic shoe inserts or footwear modifications to provide relief of symptoms, additional support, correct biomechanical abnormalities, and distribute pressure more evenly throughout the foot and lower leg.
8. Activity modification and training modifications: Physical therapists can help identify activities or training techniques that may have contributed to shin splints and provide guidance on modifications or alternative exercises to reduce stress on the shins. They can also assist in creating a gradual return-to-activity plan to prevent re-injury. Eliminating or modifying the cause is important to improve outcomes and prevent recurrences.
9. Education and self-management: Physical therapists help the patients incorporate home exercises, soft tissue and joint mobilization into his or her daily routine. They also educate the patients about proper warm-up and cool-down techniques, appropriate footwear choices, and strategies for preventing shin splints. 

Remember, the specific treatment plan may vary depending on individual needs and the severity of shin splints. Working closely with a physical therapist can provide personalized care and help optimize recovery from shin splints while minimizing the risk of future occurrences.

Trust PeteHealth for shin splints treatment

Looking for a physical therapist to help you manage and treat shin splints? PeteHealth is the trusted physical therapy solution that you can access on your schedule, bringing you the care you need wherever you need it – including your home or office. Our licensed physical therapists are at the top of their profession, and we accept most insurance carriers.

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Finally – the all-in-one, professional, convenient approach to physical therapy that you deserve with PeteHealth.

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