Shin Splints
Shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome, is a condition that causes pain along the shin bone (tibia). It’s a common overuse injury that often affects runners, dancers, and other athletes who engage in high-impact activities.
- Pain and tenderness along the inside of the shin bone
- Mild swelling in the lower leg
- Dull ache or soreness in the lower leg
- Pain that worsens with exercise and improves with rest
- Overuse or repetitive stress on the shin bone and surrounding muscles
- Improper footwear or worn-out shoes
- Flat feet or high arches
- Running or exercising on hard surfaces
- Weakness in the muscles that support the shin
- Physical exam and medical history
- Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRIs, and bone scans to rule out other conditions
- Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy: ESWT is a non-invasive medical treatment that uses shockwaves that are high-energy sound waves directed at the affected area, stimulating healing and reducing pain.
- Rest and avoiding activities that aggravate the injury
- Physical therapy to stretch and strengthen the affected area
- Heat or cold therapy: to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
- Using proper footwear with good support and cushioning
- Gradually increasing the intensity and duration of exercise
- Wearing compression socks or using other forms of support
Prevention is key in managing shin splints. Proper stretching and warm-up techniques before exercise or physical activity can help prevent the injury. Gradually increasing the intensity and duration of exercise can also help prevent shin splints. Using proper footwear with good support and cushioning, and exercising on softer surfaces can also help prevent shin splints.