Is It Shin Splints?- What You Need To Know

Is It Shin Splints?

You may be wondering if the pain in your lower legs is in fact shin splints. If you are one of the many unfortunate people to suffer from shin splints then you know exactly how frustrating and debilitating they can be. Shin splints also known as medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) affect many people when performing various activities but the most common affected group of people are runners. In fact MTSS accounts for approximately 13 to 17 percent of all running related injuries. Aerobic dancers also have a high population of occurrences with injury rates as high as 22 percent. According to research MTSS is more prevalant in women than men.

Causes:

Shin splints are usually a result of overworking the muscles of the lower extremities (below the waistline). Weakened core muscles and muscle imbalances are also key factors that contribute to this ailment. A sudden increase in activity intensity can often lead to MTSS. This is because the muscles and tendons are unable to absorb the force of impact as they are becoming fatigued. Training, working and running on uneven terrain including inclined and declined roads and treadmills can also be an important trigger to shin splints. It's important to note that wearing old worn out shoes can also contribute to shin splints as well as those who are flat footed. Running on the balls of your feet and with your feet pointing outward are also sure ways to develop this dreaded ailment.

Symptoms:

For someone who has had MTSS in the past it is very easy for them to recognize the pain as it is coming on. However someone who has suddenly developed pain in their lower legs may not be sure what it is or what it is caused from. It is important to recognize MTSS early as continuing to work through the pain will only make it worse and can lead to stress fractures and further delay recovery time. MTSS pain is most often described as a recurring dull ache along the distal two thirds of the tibia. The pain can be in the general area of the shin including both in front and back of the shin and leg. The main difference between this pain and that of a stress fracture is that stress fracture pain is much more localized to a specific spot on the leg (tibia). Another way to self diagnose is to move your ankle and foot around, this type of movement should not cause shin splint pain.

Treatment:

Traditionally the treatment is ice, rest and anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil). Rest is crucial to the healing process and probably the hardest one for people to manage. Athletes and active people alike do not like to be sidelined and will often try to load up on medication or simply push through the pain. I have fallen victim to this strategy in the past and believe me it only makes things worse and makes for a longer healing duration. Rest is essential, as much as it sucks to be inactive. 

It can take up to a couple of weeks for the mild average case of MTSS and up to 3 months for severe cases for those like me who refuse to rest and let it fully heal. Shoes with extra shock absorbing soles can help heal MTSS faster as well as prevent them. There are also certain stretches and exercises that can really help with treating and preventing shin splints. This has been the best method for me and deemed as a much safer alternative to using NSAID's like ibuprofen and Advil which cause stomach ulcers overtime. I hope this has given you some insight and tools to self diagnose and heal yourself of this frustrating and debilitating ailment.


You may be surprised when the pain in the lower leg in a bus fact tibia. If you are one of the many unfortunate people who suffer from the tires on the shin, then you know how frustrating and debilitating they can be. Shin Tire, also known as medial tibial syndrome, stress (MTSS) affects many people in various activities, but most affected people are a group of runners. In fact, MTSS about 13 percent to 17 percent of all running injuries. Aerobic dancers and a high number of events with injuries is higher than 22%. According to a study MTSS-prevalant in women than men.

Reasons:

Tires tires, usually as a result of excessive use of leg muscles (below the waist). Weakened core muscles and muscle imbalances are the key factors that contribute to the disease. A sudden increase in intensity of activity can often lead to the MTS. This is because the muscles and tendons are not able to absorb the impact force, because they are tired. Education, and the movement of rough terrain, including slopes and the road and fell running track can also be an important stimulus for shin tires. It is important to note that the wearing of old worn shoes can also contribute to shin tires, and those who have flat feet. Running the ball on legs, feet pointing outwards and safer ways to develop this terrible disease.

Symptoms:

For those who have been MTSS in the past, it is very easy for them to recognize the pain as it occurs. However, someone suddenly the pain in the lower legs can not be sure that it is or what it is called. It is important to recognize, MTSS, but continue to work through the pain will only aggravate the situation and can lead to stress fractures and delay recovery time. MTSS pain often is described as a recurring dull ache along the distal two-thirds of the shin. The pain may be in the general area of ​​tibia, including the front and back of the leg and foot. The main difference between this pain and it is a heavy stress is that stress fractures of the pain is much more localized specific location of the leg (shin). Another way for self-diagnosis is to move the ankle and foot around this type of movement should not be painful shin tire.

Treatment:

Traditional treatment is ice, rest and anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (Advil). Rest is crucial to the healing process, and perhaps most difficult for people to manage. Athletes and active people do not like to be, and often will try to load the medications, or just click the pain. Have been victims of this strategy in the past, and believe me, it just makes good and makes for a longer course of treatment. Rest is essential, as much sucks to be inactive. It may take up to two weeks for mild cases of MTSS and an average of 3 months, in severe cases, for those who, like me, who refuse to take a break and give heal completely. 

Shoes with additional cushioning soles can help treat MTSS faster, and prevent them. There are a few stretches and exercises that can really help to treat and prevent shin tires. This is the best way for me, and acts as a safe alternative to the use of NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, Advil, causing stomach ulcers overtime. 

I hope this gave you some insight and tools for self-diagnosis and treatment of this frustrating and debilitating disease.

1 comment:

Dreambox 500s said...

Ice is best for shin splints treatment. As we know that anything too much is not good. So never overworking which cause a problem of shin splits.