Shin Splints
Shin splints
Shin splints is a general term used to describe pain at the front of the lower leg. However true shin splints cause pain on the inside of the shin and this can arise from a number of causes.
The pain from shin splints tends to be dull at first, but if ignored can become very painful. Commonly the pain is felt when you first begin your bout of exercise and then often eases as your exercise session continues. Following exercise the pain may return as the inflammation takes place and you may find the pain is at its worse the following morning. The shin bones often feel bumpy and tender to touch and some people may have redness or swelling a long the shin bone. The pain can be exacerbated when the foot is pointed downwards. The most common cause of shin splints is due to the traction forces applied to the bone from the surrounding muscles and this leads to inflammation of bone lining.
The most common causes of shin splints include:
- Overuse or a sudden increase in exercise
- Inadequate footwear
- Muscle tightness (possibly caused by a lack of a warm-up or cool-down)
- Oversupination (rolling out) or overpronation (rolling in) of the feet.
- Running on uneven or hard surfaces
- Restricted range of movement at the ankle joints
The treatment for shin splints involves reducing the pain and inflammation and finding the cause of the problem. You need to allow the muscles to return to their original condition and then introduce exercise gradually.
Treatment includes:
- Rest to allow the muscles to heal
- The application of ice to reduce inflammation
- Exercises to stretch the muscles in the lower limb.
- Manual therapy – to include soft tissue techniques, taping techniques and articulation/manipulation to correct any mechanical imbalances. Orthotics may be issued to correct overpronation or oversupination.
References
http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/sport-injuries/ankle-achilles-shin-pain/shin-splints
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/shin-splints/Pages/Introduction.aspx
