Understanding Shin Splints: A Podiatrist’s Guide

What Are Shin Splints?

Shin splints, medically known as medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), refer to pain along the shinbone (tibia), the large bone in the front of your lower leg. This condition is common among athletes, runners, and people engaged in vigorous physical activities. Shin splints typically arise from excessive stress on the shinbone and the connective tissues that attach your muscles to the bone.

Origin of Pain: The pain associated with shin splints stems from inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue around the tibia.
Activities at Risk: Activities that involve heavy leg use, especially on hard surfaces or uneven terrain, can lead to this condition.
Who’s at Risk: Beginners in sports, those with a sudden increase in physical activity, and people with high arches or flat feet are more susceptible.

Causes of Shin Splints in Athletes and Active Individuals

Shin splints are not solely a sports injury but are highly prevalent in situations where repetitive leg use is common. Understanding the causes can help in prevention and targeted treatment.

Overuse: Repetitive force to the lower legs during activities like running or jumping can overload the shinbone and surrounding muscles.
Improper Technique: Incorrect form in sports or exercise can alter the distribution of force along the shinbone, leading to increased risk.
Inadequate Footwear: Shoes that do not provide adequate support or cushioning can exacerbate the stress on the shins, especially during high-impact activities.
Surface Impact: Running on hard or uneven surfaces significantly increases the stress on the legs, contributing to the development of shin splints.
Previous Injuries: Athletes with a history of foot, ankle, or lower leg injuries may be more likely to develop shin splints due to altered gait or biomechanics.

Symptoms to Watch For

Symptoms to watch for include:

Pain and Tenderness: The most common symptom is a throbbing, aching pain along the front of the lower leg. Pain may initially be present only during exercise and subside with rest.
Swelling: The area around the shin may feel tender and swollen due to inflammation.
Numbness and Weakness: In severe cases, swelling might compress nearby nerves, leading to numbness or weakness in the feet.
Pain Changes: As the condition worsens, the pain may become constant, no longer subsiding with rest, indicating a need for immediate medical attention.

The Podiatry Perspective: Why Foot Health Matters

Podiatrists view shin splints not just as a symptom of overuse or stress, but also as a sign of underlying issues with foot health and biomechanics. The alignment and function of your feet can directly impact how forces are distributed throughout your lower limbs, influencing the risk of developing shin splints.

Biomechanical Factors: Improper foot alignment, such as overpronation (excessive inward foot rolling) or supination (outward rolling), can lead to uneven weight distribution, increasing stress on the shinbone.
Arch Support: The presence of flat feet or unusually high arches can also predispose individuals to shin splints because of the inadequate or uneven support during weight-bearing activities.
Footwear Influence: Wearing the right type of shoes that provides proper support and cushioning according to one’s foot type can mitigate the risk significantly.

Diagnosis of Shin Splints

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment of shin splints. Podiatrists like Manly Cove Podiatry use a combination of clinical examination and diagnostic tools to confirm the presence and severity of shin splints.

Clinical Examination: Involves a thorough examination of the lower legs, checking for tenderness along the inner part of the shinbone. The podiatrist will assess the patient’s gait, foot structure, and alignment.
Imaging Tests: While not always necessary, imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs can be used to rule out other conditions such as stress fractures.
Flexibility and Strength Tests: These tests help determine if inadequate flexibility or muscle strength are contributing factors to the symptoms.

Treatment Options for Shin Splints

Treatment strategies for shin splints vary based on their severity and the individual’s specific needs. Podiatrists typically recommend a combination of immediate care strategies and longer-term rehabilitation exercises.

Immediate Care (RICE): Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation are initial steps to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, can help reduce pain and swelling. However, these should be used cautiously and under the advice of a healthcare provider.
Custom Orthotics: For those with biomechanical issues, custom orthotics designed by a podiatrist can provide the necessary support and correct improper foot mechanics.
Physical Therapy: Involves stretching and strengthening exercises tailored to reduce stress on the shinbone and surrounding muscles. Techniques like foam rolling and manual therapy may also be incorporated.
Activity Modification: Temporarily switching to lower-impact activities can help maintain fitness without exacerbating shin pain.

By addressing both the symptoms and the underlying causes of shin splints, these treatment approaches aim to alleviate pain and prevent recurrence, allowing individuals to return to their regular activities with improved leg health and functionality.

Role of Footwear in Preventing Shin Splints

The choice of footwear plays a critical role in the prevention and management of shin splints. Proper shoes can significantly reduce the stress exerted on your shins during physical activities.

Choosing the Right Shoes: It’s crucial to select shoes that match your foot type and activity level. For runners, shoes should provide adequate cushioning and support to absorb impact and stabilise the feet.
Importance of Fit: Shoes should fit well and be replaced regularly depending on usage. Worn-out shoes lose their ability to cushion and support the feet effectively.
Consultation with a Podiatrist: A podiatrist can provide recommendations on footwear and even custom orthotics if standard shoes do not meet an individual’s specific needs.

Long-Term Management and Prevention Strategies

If you’re experiencing persistent shin pain that doesn’t improve with rest and home treatment, or if it keeps coming back, it’s crucial to consult a podiatrist like Manly Cove Podiatry. Severe symptoms such as significant swelling, skin discoloration, or intense pain even without weight bearing may indicate a more serious condition that requires professional attention. Additionally, those with ongoing foot or ankle issues, or recurrent shin splints, should seek a biomechanical assessment and a tailored treatment plan from a podiatrist to address the root causes effectively.