Shin

Shin

Shin Splints

Shin Splints is the name given to a condition known as medial tibial stress syndrome. Most commonly seen in runners or people from team sports, it involves pain on the inside of the lower leg but above the ankle. This pain will often be felt at the beginning and end of a run but may be less noticeable in the middle and will often ache after running and into the next day.

The pain is a result of increased stress over time placed on the muscles, periosteum (covering of the bone) and the bone which can cause damage and inflammation. In most cases the pain probably starts as inflammation of the muscular attachment and the covering of the bone however if left untreated can cause stress fractures or other bony changes to the tibia.

Treatment of shin splints will require cessation of the activities, usually running, that are aggravating the injury, however, some sports people will want to continue with running while managing the condition. In this case treatment from your physiotherapist will involve modification of contributing factors such as tight calves, over pronating feet while running, poor arch support, poor running technique through techniques such as taping for support, massage, dry needling, gait re-training and icing advice to help you through necessary sport.

If you are currently experiencing pain around the shins please make an appointment with your physiotherapist for a thorough assessment of your problem regardless of your intentions to continue or cease sport, we can help you.

Compartment Syndrome

Chronic compartment syndrome is a condition that occurs in people who run frequently and involves pain and pressure in the lower leg or shin commencing after a period of running. The lower leg comprises of four seperate compartments of fascia that hold groups of muscles together. Unfortunately, fascia is not able to be stretched, therefore, when excess pressure builds up in a compartment it can interrupt blood vessels, nerves and muscles causing pain.

The cause of lower leg chronic compartment syndrome is unconfirmed however it is most likely due to a build up of fluid or inflammatory particles due to repetitive stress caused by running on hard surfaces. Compartment syndrome may also cause other symptoms such as weakness or loss of feeling in the lower leg/shin or foot due to compression of blood vessels and nerves.

Compartment syndrome is difficult to differentiate from shin splints in some cases therefore it is important to seek appropriate assessment by your physiotherapist. Treatment for this condition involves rest and anti-inflammatory measures such as NSAID’s, massage for swelling, icing, heat/cold therapy. If your condition is severe enough and not responsive to physiotherapy treatment surgery to release the fascia and allow for swelling of the area to be non symptomatic may be indicated.

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