Shin Splints: Symptoms, Causes, Tests, and Treatments

Shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome, refer to pain along the inner side of the shin bone (the prominent long bone in front of the leg). They occur due to stress and overuse of the shin bone and the surrounding connective tissues. When high-level physical activity overworks the bone and the surrounding muscles and tendons, it leads to inflammation and pain.

Recognizing Shin Splint Symptoms

The common symptoms associated with shin splints include:

• Sharp, throbbing pain along the inner side of your shinbone: Shin splints typically present as a sharp pain or throbbing sensation along the inside of the shinbone, creating a tight or pulling feeling. In some cases, the pain may be constant and debilitating, making it difficult to walk or even stand.
• Pain that worsens during or after exercise: Shin splint pain is exacerbated by activities that put repetitive stress on the lower leg, such as running or jumping. Sometimes, the pain starts at the beginning of a workout and decreases as the body warms up, but then returns after the workout is over.
• Swelling: Irritation of the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue along the shinbone can cause swelling. When these tissues become overworked or overstressed, they become inflamed, leading to the accumulation of fluids and the development of swelling in the affected area.
• Tenderness: Shin splint tenderness manifests along the inside of the shin bone, and it's usually caused by inflammation of the periosteum. When the muscles and tendons in the lower leg are overworked, they pull on the periosteum, causing it to become inflamed and painful to touch.

» Find out more about heel spurs

Understanding the Causes of Shin Splints

Shin splints are primarily caused by overuse of the lower leg muscles, which can result from:

• A sudden increase in the intensity of your exercise: When you increase your exercise intensity or duration too quickly, your muscles and bones may not have enough time to adapt and become stronger. This can lead to micro-tears in the muscles and tissues around the shinbone, causing inflammation and pain.
• Running on a hard or uneven surface: When you run on hard or uneven surfaces, your feet absorb more impact force than they should. This can lead to microtrauma or small tears in the muscles and connective tissues that attach to the shinbone.
• Overpronation: When the foot rolls inward excessively, the tibia twists and torques, causing stress and strain on the muscles and tendons in the lower leg. It also causes the muscles connected to the shin bone to work harder than they should, leading to overuse and fatigue.

Diagnosing Shin Splints

Shin splints are typically diagnosed based on medical history and physical examination. Your doctor will assess how you walk and examine your lower leg, ankle, and foot. They may also move your ankle and foot around and feel for tenderness, which is often felt along the inside of the shinbone and is a hallmark symptom of shin splints.

If your doctor suspects other conditions, they may order an X-ray, MRI, or bone scan to rule them out and confirm the diagnosis. If you suspect you have shin splints, it's essential to visit a healthcare professional who will offer an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan to promote healing and prevent further damage. Shin splints may present with symptoms similar to a stress fracture, but they are different.

Effective Treatment Options for Shin Splints

Here are some ways to effectively manage and alleviate the discomfort of shin splints

• Ice: Applying ice reduces the fluid build-up in the tissues, which may reduce the pain and swelling of shin splints. To prevent skin irritation or frostbite, it's crucial to wrap the ice in a towel or use a commercial ice pack when applying it to the affected area. You can apply ice for 10-15 minutes, 2-3 times per day.
• Medication: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain relief drugs can help to reduce shin splint pain. Also, a KT tape shin splint can be applied to the affected area to alleviate pressure on the shin muscles and tendons, thus helping to reduce pain and inflammation, prevent further damage, and promote healing. KT tape shin splint also helps to prevent shin splints.
• Rest: Rest is a crucial component of the treatment for shin splints as it allows the affected muscles to heal and recover. If you wonder how long shin splints last, it's between 2 to 4 weeks. This period of rest from sports or exercise can help hasten your recovery.
• Insoles: When you think of how to prevent shin splints, keep insoles close to your mind. Insoles designed for shin splints can help reduce the impact of the foot striking the ground, thus alleviating the pressure on the shin. They provide additional foot support and ensure your feet and legs are working in proper alignment, which can help to prevent injuries and improve overall posture.

» Considering surgery for flat feet? Here's what you need to know

Your Path to Healing Shin Splints

Shin splints are a common overuse injury that can cause pain and discomfort in the lower shin area. Rest, ice, NSAIDs, and insoles can help to alleviate the symptoms. It's essential to look for insoles specifically designed to address the causes of shin splints. Footora, for example, offers the best selection of shock-absorbing, supportive, properly aligned, and pronation-control insoles for shin splints.