A: Shin splints is a loosely used term describing pain in the shin area during exercise. It may include:
In an effort to be more specific, and descriptive, the American Medical Association has refined shin splints to mean "pain and discomfort in the leg from repetitive running on hard surfaces, a forcible use of the foot flexors; diagnosis should be limited to musculotendinous inflammation excluding fracture and ischemic disorders." This is equivalent to (3) the Medial Tibial Syndrome.
Q: What factors predispose to shin splints ?
A: Several factors can lead to the development of shin splints:
Q: The doctor has given me the diagnosis of tenoperiostitis. What are the usual symptoms?
A: Tenoperiostitis, or the medial tibial syndrome is the most common cause of shin pain or shin splints. The pain is usually along the inside (medial) aspect of the shin. Usually the pain is worst with the beginning of exercise, and becomes better with warming up. In most cases, the athlete is able to complete the training schedule as planned, but the pain may recur after the exercise finishes - or the following morning.
When the shin is examined by the physician, there is usually much pain to pressure on the medial shin - the extent of which varies from a 2-3 cm area to the entire shin.
Excessive pronation of the ankle is common with this disorder.
In most cases, although no test will diagnose the medial tibial syndrome, tests may be necessary to rule out other diagnoses. For instance, Xray or Bone Scan may be recommended in order to look for tibial stress fractures. Much more uncommonly, measurement of muscle compartment pressures may be recommended to look for signs of compartment syndrome.
Q: What kind of treatment can I do to help my shin pain while going through police academy ?
Q: If someone develops shin splints what can they do about it to be able to start running again ?
A: Initial treatment of shin splints due to Medial Tibial Syndrome -also known as Tenoperiostitis is as follows:
The first step is to confirm a diagnosis, this usually means a visit to a physician for physical examination and possibly an Xray to ensure no fractures are present.
Initially rest may involve reduction of training frequency, decreased training intensity, and a switch to running on softer surfaces. Adequate warm-up, proper stretching, and ensuring adequate foot-ware are other potential training modifications. Following a period of rest, resumption of activity should proceed at a controlled rate, to avoid relapse to severe pain. It may be helpful to consult a physiotherapist, athletic trainer, or physician for advise.
Anti-Inflammatory medications may helpful. Generally medications such as Ibuprophin (Advil) can provide pain relief and decreased inflammation. However, because anti-inflammatory medications can have nasty side effects-such as bleeding stomach ulcers-they should not be taken for prolonged periods without the recommendation of a physician.
Ice can be extremely helpful. Generally, it should be used following every training session. In addition, icing several times a day at other times may be helpful. Techniques for icing vary from therapist, but generally sitting down for about 30 minutes, and using ice off/on in 5-10 minute intervals is usually sufficient. Do not apply ice directly to the skin-wrap the is in a cloth-as frostbite is a potential complication.
In addition, further evaluation may be necessary to clarify the cause of the pain. Assessment of foot anatomy and function-with subsequent treatment of pronation/supination/etc may be helpful. Furthermore, a physiotherapist may be able to assess calf muscle flexibility and recommend proper stretching and warm-up exercises if necessary.