What are shin splints?

Shin splints, aka medial tibial stress syndrome, is a common ailment among certain athletes.  The main shin bone with its muscles become irritated and swollen after too much stress and pulling, which causes pain in the front of the lower leg.     

Who is more likely to get shin splints?  

Shin splints are often associated with running, but can occur in any high impact sport.  Children and adolescents are more likely to get them as their bones aren’t yet as calcified (and sturdy) as adult bones.  Those adding to or starting their training are more at risk due to the new demands on the muscles and bones.  Also, those with flat feet or high arches, or with non supportive shoes may be at risk.

How do you treat shin splints?

The mainstay of treatment is rest and ice.  Resting means not doing the activity that caused the shin splints for as long as it takes the pain to resolve.  Icing for 20 minutes a few times a day helps with the swelling and pain.  Tylenol, advil, or other over the counter pain medication may be given as needed.  Physical therapy can help decide the best way to get back into an activity, find areas that need to be strengthened for better function, and/or determine if an athlete’s movement or gait can be improved. 

What can happen if they’re not treated?

It is possible to continue an activity while having shin splints.  However, as more and more stress is put on an already stressed area, stress fractures can develop.  

Is there a way to avoid shin splints?

There are a few different ways to try to avoid shin splints.  The first is only increasing activity 10% at a time (eg 10% more distance).  More than that can cause too much stress, which can lead to shin splints.  Be aware of the surface the activity is occurring on, if it’s more rough or hilly, or more hard and unyielding than normal consider varying the activity to account for the increase in difficulty.  Pay attention to how the body responds to increases in stress, everyone’s tolerance to stress varies.  

Resting between workouts gives the body time to heal so the stress isn’t additive.  Varying the workout to include non-impact activities, such as swimming, is a good way to stay active while letting the shins rest.   

How your body moves and impacts the ground affects the amount of stress on the legs.  Good, supportive shoes that are made for the activity can reduce the risk of shin splints.  Proper body mechanics, or how the body moves while in an activity, can also reduce the risk.

Bottom line.

Shin splints are commonly seen, especially in older children and adolescents.  Make sure they are treated properly with rest when needed.

Links.

Shin splints at Ortho Info.

Shin pain at HealthyChildren.Org.

Shin splints at Cleveland Clinic.