Have I got true shin splints?

The term 'Shin Splints' is a cover all term for pain found around the shin bone (Tibia).

Shin Splints actually refers to three separate problems:

• Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS).


• A stress fracture of the shin bone (Tibia).


• Compartment Syndrome.

True Shin Splints refer to Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS). In the case of MTSS the bone lining of the shin becomes inflamed where the muscles attach to it, this causes the pain. With out the correct treatment MTSS can be difficult to get over.

The symptoms of MTSS will include some/all of the following:

• Pain / discomfort at the front of the shin bone (mainly on the inside).


• Discomfort at the start of activity, which may reduce when 'warmed up'.


• Morning soreness, which may reduce with movement.


• Lumps and bumps along the inside edge of the shin bone.


• Occasionally visible swelling / redness.

Shin Splints (MTSS) are often set off by a sudden increase in training, a change of training surface or a change of footwear.

The classic example I see of this every year is right after the football 'off season' when pre-season training begins. The ground is hard after the summer, the footballer has done little training between the end of season and the start of the new pre-season. This combination of the footballer being out of 'condition' and the ground being hard is a recipe for overloading the musculature in the shin leading to the development of MTSS.

In terms of treatment it is important to establish what type of issue is occurring at the shin as this will determine the course of treatment.

With all three type of Shin Splints it will be important to assess the individuals biomechanics, joint mobility, muscle length and training habits.

Factors such as overpronation/underpronation, increasing training too rapidly, reduced joint mobility, tight muscles and poor footwear can cause problems. It's important to have a full assessment of all of these components.

With MTSS treatment will initially focus on reducing the local inflammation, improving the tissue quality around the shin.

It is important to find out what type of Shin Splints you've got before you start any treatment MTSS, stress fractures and compartment syndrome all have to be dealt with differently.

As always this post just covers the basics so if you have any extra questions call me on 01425 480030 or email office@theringwoodclinic.co.uk