Definition
Inflammation in the front and/or inside section of the tibia. Also called ‘Shin Splints’.
Symptoms
The patient feels tightness/tenderness or throbbing pain along the side of the tibia when running and walking for a long distance. The pain can be dull and aggravate to sharp.
Biomechanical etiology
New runners or walkers feel stress or tightness in the anterior muscles of the shin during activities. Over-use of tibia muscles cause posterior shin splints which is a chronic condition along the inside edge of the tibia muscles. Anterior and posterior shin splints are caused by excess stretching of soft tissue structures along the tibia and fibula. Anterior Shin Splints cause a vertical line of tenderness along the anterior (front) of the tibia. This condition is different from Anterior Compartment Syndrome in which the pain line is vertical. Due to overpronation in subtalar joint and rotation in internal tibial, medial tractional pressure increases and secondary periosteal swelling may occur.
Treatment
An effective treatment for shin splints is orthotics, like Stabilizer Insoles. Orthotics help to reduce rotation in internal tibial and medial tractional forces which in turn reduce overpronation of the subtalar joint.
Additional Treatment
Application of ice on the affected area, limitation of running or walking, and massage of deep tissue.
Exercises
Calf Stretch – Stand facing a wall, with one foot forward. Keep the back leg straight, and the back foot pointing straight ahead. Lean into the wall using your arms and the front foot for support, until a stretch is felt in the upper calf muscle. Make sure to keep the back foot straight and the heel on the ground. Hold stretch for 20-30 seconds and repeat 2-3 times on each leg.