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Back to: Foot
Problems & Conditions
Shin splints can cause pain in the front lower leg due to minor
tearing of the anterior muscle (muscle between mid-foot and knee)
from the shin bone. There are two types of shin splints:
- Anterior Shin Splints
Located in the tibia (front portion of shin)
- Posterior Shin Splints
Located on the medial (inside) part of the tibia
Overuse, vigorous activity or a sharp and sudden increase in activity
can lead to shin splints, therefore exercise levels should only
be increased gradually. Running on hard surfaces or physical activity
without the use of supportive training shoes increases the likelihood
of shin splints as more stress is exerted on the anterior muscle
in an attempt to absorb shock.
People who run on tiptoes or partake
in sports that involve a lot of jumping are susceptible to this
particular condition as these activities cause an imbalance in the
distribution of pressure and add stress to the joints. Biomechanical
problems such as over pronation or supination can cause the muscles
to exert themselves in order to retain balance. This constant stress
can causes the muscles to tear, resulting in shin splints.
- Lower leg pain
- Tender shins
- Swelling or redness around shin area
- Lumps covering the bone
- Pain when toes are pointing towards the floor
- Gentle stretching of the posterior leg muscles
before and after exercise
- Apply ice after exercise to reduce swelling
- Rest the leg as much as possible and substitute
low-impact exercise that lessen stress to the joints such as
bicycling
- When exercising avoid running uphill or on hard
surfaces
If the problem continues visit a sports injury
specialist or Podiatrist/Chiropodist who may advise:
- Rehabilitation, strengthening and flexibility
exercises
- An orthotic
for over pronation or supination to improve the biomechanical
alignment of the foot
- Prescription of anti-inflammatory medications
- Massage, electro stimuli and heat to reduce
pain and swelling
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