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Shin Splints is a non-diagnostic term used to describe pain in the
front of the leg (along the tibia) usually attributed to running.
The first thing, as with any condition, is to properly diagnose the
problem. Pain in the front of the leg could be due to several problems
such as a stress fracture, compartment syndrome, nerve pain from a
problem in the lumbar spine (low back), or a tearing away of the muscles
in the front of the leg from the bone (medial tibial stress syndrome).
The doctor should palpate (touch) all up and down the tibia
(shin bone) both on the inside and outside to check for tender areas.
Sometimes X-rays or a bone scan are necessary to rule out a fracture.
If the area is very hot and red, compartment syndrome must be ruled out
with special tests. If the area is not tender and there is pain,
numbness or tingling, nerve pain due to problems in the low back must be
ruled out.
Assuming these other problems are ruled out, most commonly the pain in
the front of the leg is due to a microscopic tearing away of the muscles
in the front of the leg from the tibia. Scar tissue (which is full of
tiny nerve endings and not as elastic as regular muscle) forms. Any
pounding, stretching or pressure to the area causes pain.
Treatment must include tecniques like
Active Release Techniques® and
Graston Technique to break up the scar tissue in Then, proper stretching of the area -
front of the leg and the gastrocnemius and soleus (calf).
Important and often neglected are strengthening exercises for the front
leg muscles. These can be done by sitting on a bench with ankle and a
portion of the leg off the bench. Place a dumb-bell between your feet
and pull the dumb-bell up and down. Do at least 3 sets of 15 reps every
other day. A device called the D.A.R.D. has been developed which is
designed for this exercise.
Also, ice the area immediately after training with ice massage for
5 minutes or an ice pack for 15 minutes.
If the proper diagnosis if made, proper soft tissue work done, proper
stretching and strengthening performed, shin splints should be resolved
and not return. Perform the stretching daily and strengthening twice per
week once the problem is resolved.
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SHIN SPLINTS