Shin Splints

Definition

 

Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome

- pain along the tibial origin of tibialis posterior or soleus

 

Clinical

 

Pain anterior aspect of shin

- running

- soccer

- basketball

 

DDx 

 

Compartment Syndrome

Stress fracture of tibia

 

Mechanism

 

Usually 2° to changes in activity

- increase in mileage

- alteration in terrain

- change of shoes

 

Pain usually follows activity

- gradually intrudes into workout

- eventually precludes activity

 

Xray

 

May show periosteal reaction

 

Management

 

Rest

Achilles stretching

Shock absorbing insoles

Graduated return to running

 

ECSW

 

Moen et al Br J Sports Med 2011

- improved results with ECSW