Shin splints (also called periostitis) is not an actual diagnosis, but describes a condition where there is pain at the front of the lower leg below the knee, from the tearing away of the anterior tibial muscle (the muscle that runs from the mid portion of the foot up the front of the leg, just below the knee, on the inside front of the calf) from the bone.
Symptoms can include:
- Lower leg pain
- Tenderness over the inside of the shin
- Swelling and/or redness over the shin
- Pain when the foot is bent downwards
Shin splints are usually caused by over-use. Beginning runners or other people who engage in sport activities who have not sufficiently allowed their muscle tone to build up over a proper conditioning program, or whose conditioning program is too rigorous in the beginning, often develop shin splints.
Certain factors seem to contribute to shin splints including muscle imbalances. Shin splints often develop after sudden changes in physical activity, such as running longer distances or on hills, or increasing the number of days you exercise each week. Flat feet are another factor that can contribute to increased stress on the lower leg muscles during exercising.
People with biomechanical, excessive pronation or supination of the foot also develop shin splints. Anti-inflammatories, and a shorter stride are also good modalities for this problem.
Nonsurgical treatment for shin splints includes several weeks of rest from the activity that caused it. Other forms of conditioning can be substituted. It may be recommended that you take anti-inflammatory medications, or use cold packs and mild compression to feel better. Stretching exercises can also help.
In most people, the pain is not so bad with ordinary walking. After several weeks of rest, low-level training may begin. Be sure to warm up and stretch thoroughly before you exercise. Increase training slowly. If you start to feel the same pain, stop exercising immediately. Use a cold pack and rest for a day or two. Return to training again at a lower level of intensity. Increase training even more slowly than before.
DO NOT DIAGNOSE YOURSELF! Shin pain can be caused by many things, some very serious that grow even more serious without proper treatment.
