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Shin Splints and Medial Stress Syndrome

Shin splints a term used to describe exercise-induced pain in the front of the lower legs, or shins. Pain is often felt along the shin bone (tibia), which runs down the inner part of your shin . Pain is sometime described as dull aching pain to server . MTSS is thought to occur when the layer of connective tissue covering the surface of the shin bone (periosteum) becomes inflamed.

What causes it!

There are a number of different causes. But you are particularly at risk if you:

  • running hard surfaces or slopes
  • wear poorly fitting or worn-out trainers that don't cushion and support your feet properly
  • are overweight, as this places extra stress on your legs
  • have flat feet or your feet roll inwards, as this puts more pressure on your lower legs
  • have weak ankles or a tight Achilles tendon (the band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the calf muscle)
  • have tight calf muscles
  • Frequent and intense periods of exercise
  • Long-distance running
  • Sports involving a lot of stopping and starting
  • Increasing the distance and/or pace you run

    The pain is usually felt in both shins and it can take several days, or even weeks, for the pain to decrease once you stop the activity.

    Treatment

    Here at the clinic our podiatrist carry out a number of tests, including:

  • Gait analysis
  • Lower limb biomechanics
  • Foot ware advice .
  • Support for your weight and foot type.
  • Orthotics or insole device
  • Stretching programme for the calf muscles and the front of your legs
  • Ultra Sound

    Remember, pain is usually felt in both shins and it can take several days, or even weeks, for the pain to decrease.Therefore we recommend treatment at the earliest stage possible.

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