Injury Spotlight:
Shin Splints
Welcome to the TheraSport Injury Spotlight Newsletter!
In our spotlights, we will feature a common injury, discuss the structures involved, and provide different ideas for management. For our next feature, we will discuss shin splints.
Shin splints, or medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), is a common problem experienced by athletes or a more active population. They can be a more common injury when sports and outdoor activities increase. MTSS normally presents as a pain in the front of middle of the tibia (shin bone). Often times, it can be a result of overuse and over-training with failed or improper recovery. Shin splints involve small micro damage and irritation to the surrounding bone and soft tissue. If pushed too much, shin splints can even lead to tibial stress fractures.
Some management tips include initial reduction of training to facilitate healing. Cardiovascular activities should be lower impact to reduce stress through the tibia. Reduction in training can be combined with physical therapy, which can work to strengthening and improve resiliency to the tissues that can be at fault. Another tip to reduce impact is to increase steps per minute and walking speed. Once you’re back to your previous training level, make sure to reduce the volume of your training every four weeks to facilitate recovery.
Check out our video on the next page, with some exercises we will prescribe to our patients with shin splints.
If you are suffering with shin pain,
give us a call at 856-661-0215 or stop in
to schedule your appointment today!