COMMON SPORTS MEDICINE CONDITIONS

Shin Splints

Location

Generalised pain occurs in the front of the lower leg along the front or back inside area of the shin bone (tibia), most usually resulting from repetitive stress or jarring of the bones, muscles and joints of the leg with inadequate rest to allow recovery between workouts.

Symptoms

Shin pain will be aggravated with running, jumping or any weight bearing exercise, particularly if on hard or inclined surfaces. The calf muscles may also become tight and inflexible.

Diagnosis

Physical examination allied to medical history should identify the cause, which is most usually related to overtraining that over exerts muscles, particularly in beginner or occasional runners not used to the stress that running puts on the muscles, bones and joints of the leg and foot. More experienced athletes may also develop biomechanical problems through poor technique such as excessive pronation of the foot that increases the risk of shin splints.

Treatment

Like other stress injuries, adequate rest is the best treatment, combined with ice, compression and elevation to relieve and reduce pain and swelling. If the injury does not respond to this combination within 48 hours and continues for three or more weeks you should seek a more detailed examination, treatment and rehabilitation programme.