Shin Splints : Types , symptoms , Causes
Shin Splints
The term Shin Splints is used to
describe as the condition in which the front of your lower leg i.e. the region
above the ankle and below the knee gets injured. However, exact cause to this
disease is not known but Shin splints are believed to occur due to irritation
or overuse of the tissues or muscles in the lower leg, displaying the symptoms
of stress fracture.
Types of Shin splits
On the basis of medical
terminology, Shin Splints are of two different types, anterior shin splints and
posterior shin splints. Commonly occurred Shin Splints- Anterior shin splints,
is caused due to overuse of the anterior tibia muscle and the Posterior shin
splints are caused due to weak or inflamed posterior tibia muscle. In some
cases, vigorous exercises can trigger the symptoms of this disease.
Shin Splints symptoms
Main areas of pain
As mentioned above Shin Splints is
a painful condition characteristically seen on causing inflammation on the
shinbone or tibia. Disease of Shin Splints is all about bringing discomfort and
pain on your leg’s outer edge of the mid region. Area of discomfort measures
around 10-15 cm i.e. 4-6 inches in length stays for much longer period of time.
Pain is often seen during the initial stage of the workout, this pain gradually
lowers down, only to reappear by the end of your workout. Symptoms of Shin
splint is often describe as a dull discomfort which increases gradually over a
period of time.
Other areas of pain
Symptoms of Shin splint is more
common among the sort persons or within athletes, in case of severe pain
doctors recommend to the athlete to stop with their daily workouts. Shin
splints are a common disease caused due to running after a long layoff. In some
cases while playing sports such as tennis on a hard surface can trigger the
risk factor. Patients with Shin Splints or medial tibial stress syndrome
complain on having small amount of swelling over the part of tibia.
Causes of Shin Splints
Till date, doctors are still in
dark about the exact cause of shin splints symptoms. However, it is assumed
that the inflammation of the tendons, swellings in the bone lining and the
muscles occur only after overuse of muscles and repetitive activities. According
to NATA athletic trainers, Shin Splints are caused due to relative weakness and
an imbalance in between the anterior and the posterior compartment musculature.
According to some medical experts, one of the main reasons for causing Shin
Splints is forceful and continuous downward flexion of the foot. Stretching
done by the anterior muscles of the lower leg increase the risk factor of this
disease. Increased intensity of your workout schedule might act as a primary
culprit causing Shin Splints. Similarly, weak ankle muscles or Achilles tendon
are also prone in the formation of shin splints.
Shin Splints detection
Usually, detection of Shin Splints
is done with some examination on the patient. Shin Splints diagnosis is usually
made with some careful review on the patient’s history along with physical exam
of the shins and legs. In some extreme situation doctors might suggest you to
have specialized tests such as bone scans. However, specialized tests are vary
costly and is done when the diagnosis is not clear.
Tests for Shin Splints diagnosis
Various other Shin Splints
diagnosis includes radiology tests such as bone scan, X-rays or MRI scan. Bone
scans helps to detect various bone problems or the possible stress fractures.
Patients with Shin Splints or medial tibial stress syndrome might need to
perform abnormal bone scan. In order to determine long standing stress
fractures, your physician might suggest having a bone scan or x-ray.
Shin Splints treatment
Once you encounter with any of
above mentioned symptoms, without any delay just visit your nearby physician
for getting your Shin splints treated. Shin Splints treatment is followed by
maintaining certain treatment guidelines. Once you are confirmed with Shin
Splints, it is important to follow certain rules advised by your doctor. Ice
pack message is an excellent method to get an instant relief from inflammation;
you can apply ice on the affected area three times a day, for up to 15 minutes.
Your doctor will prescribe you with anti-inflammatory medication. In some
cases, you can perform rehabilitation or low impact exercises daily. For people
with shin splints, swimming and cycling works wonders! Make sure that you stay
away form intense workouts or excessive activity.
What are Shin Splints preventive measures?
As said prevention is better than
cure! Prevention is followed by smart training. If you are a sport person stick
to low impact exercises such as swimming or cycling. Running must be prohibited
during Shin Splints. You must gradually increase with duration and intensity of
exercise.
