What are shin splints and how do you treat them? Simon Moyes explains

Leading orthopaedic surgeon Simon Moyes explains shin splints and how best to treat them.

Shin splints is the general name used to describe pain along the shin bone (tibia).

The condition, which accounts for approximately 10% to 15% of all running injuries, develops as a result of people placing too much stress and strain on the shin bone.

Simon Moyes

As a result, the periostium of the tibia, the sheath surrounding the bone, becomes inflamed. This can be triggered through excessive participation in exercises, such as running, jumping, swimming, cycling, dancing and other related sports.

Other causes include: stress fractures, which develop if the bone is exposed to stress for prolonged periods, as a result of running or dancing and compartment syndrome. The latter occurs when the muscles swell.

Patients with shin splints this condition are likely to experience tenderness, aching or sharp pain over the inside lower half of the shin. Pain will often be heightened during physical activities that involve patients supporting their own body weight. Depending on the scale of the injury, this will either be felt along the full length of the shin, or along only a small section. Patients may also notice lumps and bumps on the surface of the skin, a redness over the inside of the shin, and in some cases, swelling.

In order to diagnose the full extent of the injury, patients should contact their GP, who will be able to identify a clear link between the level of shin pain and a physical activity.

If pain persists, an x-ray/MRI scan will be taken to allow the doctor to examine the shin in more detail. This will help eliminate other conditions which affect the shins, such as large stress fractures.

If the symptoms have been caused by compartment syndrome, and the patient is experiencing severe pain, a fasiotomy may be considered. This procedure is designed to release the level of pressure on the muscles in the lower part of the leg.

In other cases, patients can undergo non surgical treatments such as physiotherapy. A physiotherapist will be able to restore any loss of range to the lower limb joints and muscles and create a programme of exercises designed to strengthen the muscles.

Over the counter anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen, can help to reduce pain and inflammation. Patients should also review the level of exercise they are engaging in and reduce it if they are experiencing increasing levels of pain.

They should also check that they are getting enough support from their trainers. If necessary, they should visit a specialist running shop for advice about what footwear will provide the necessary support they need to avoid aggravating the injury further.

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