Shin splints: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Shin splints | |||
| image = [[File:Tibia_-_frontal_view2.png|250px]] | |||
| caption = Frontal view of the [[tibia]], the bone commonly associated with shin splints | |||
| synonyms = Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) | |||
| specialty = [[Sports medicine]], [[Orthopedics]] | |||
| symptoms = Pain along the inner edge of the [[shinbone]] | |||
| onset = Gradual | |||
| duration = Weeks to months | |||
| causes = Overuse, repetitive stress on the [[tibia]] | |||
| risks = [[Running]], [[dancing]], [[military training]] | |||
| diagnosis = Based on [[physical examination]] and [[medical history]] | |||
| differential = [[Stress fracture]], [[compartment syndrome]], [[tendinitis]] | |||
| prevention = Gradual increase in activity, proper footwear, strengthening exercises | |||
| treatment = Rest, ice, [[nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug|NSAIDs]], physical therapy | |||
| prognosis = Good with proper treatment | |||
| frequency = Common in athletes and military recruits | |||
}} | |||
Shin splints, medically known as medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), refer to pain felt along the inner edge of your shinbone (tibia). This condition is commonly experienced by individuals who engage in moderate to high-intensity physical activity, such as runners, dancers, and military personnel. Shin splints are often the result of overworking the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue in the lower leg, particularly through excessive physical training or a sudden change in physical activity level. | Shin splints, medically known as medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), refer to pain felt along the inner edge of your shinbone (tibia). This condition is commonly experienced by individuals who engage in moderate to high-intensity physical activity, such as runners, dancers, and military personnel. Shin splints are often the result of overworking the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue in the lower leg, particularly through excessive physical training or a sudden change in physical activity level. | ||
[[File:Shin splints.svg|Shin splints|thumb]] | [[File:Shin splints.svg|Shin splints|left|thumb]] | ||
== Signs and Symptoms == | == Signs and Symptoms == | ||
The primary symptom of shin splints is a sharp pain or dull ache along the inner part of the shinbone. This pain may be felt during or after physical activities, and may be accompanied by mild swelling in the lower leg. It's important to seek medical attention if the shin pain persists even at rest, or if there is severe swelling or the shin feels hot to touch, as these could indicate more serious conditions like a stress fracture. | The primary symptom of shin splints is a sharp pain or dull ache along the inner part of the shinbone. This pain may be felt during or after physical activities, and may be accompanied by mild swelling in the lower leg. It's important to seek medical attention if the shin pain persists even at rest, or if there is severe swelling or the shin feels hot to touch, as these could indicate more serious conditions like a stress fracture. | ||
== Causes and Risk Factors == | == Causes and Risk Factors == | ||
Shin splints are typically caused by repetitive stress on the shinbone and the tissues that attach the shinbone to the surrounding muscles. Factors contributing to shin splints may include: | Shin splints are typically caused by repetitive stress on the shinbone and the tissues that attach the shinbone to the surrounding muscles. Factors contributing to shin splints may include: | ||
* Overuse or sudden increase in training load | * Overuse or sudden increase in training load | ||
* Running or training on uneven surfaces | * Running or training on uneven surfaces | ||
| Line 15: | Line 30: | ||
* Previous history of shin splints | * Previous history of shin splints | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Diagnosis of shin splints is generally made through a medical history and physical examination. In some cases, imaging tests such as X-rays, bone scans, or MRIs may be ordered to rule out other conditions, such as stress fractures. | Diagnosis of shin splints is generally made through a medical history and physical examination. In some cases, imaging tests such as X-rays, bone scans, or MRIs may be ordered to rule out other conditions, such as stress fractures. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment for shin splints typically involves conservative measures, including: | Treatment for shin splints typically involves conservative measures, including: | ||
* Rest: Limiting activities that cause pain, such as running or jumping | * Rest: Limiting activities that cause pain, such as running or jumping | ||
* Ice: Applying ice to the affected area to reduce pain and swelling | * Ice: Applying ice to the affected area to reduce pain and swelling | ||
| Line 29: | Line 40: | ||
* Corrective footwear: Using supportive shoes and orthotics to correct foot and leg imbalances | * Corrective footwear: Using supportive shoes and orthotics to correct foot and leg imbalances | ||
* Physical therapy may also be recommended to improve flexibility and strength in the lower leg muscles, and to promote better movement patterns in activities such as running and jumping. | * Physical therapy may also be recommended to improve flexibility and strength in the lower leg muscles, and to promote better movement patterns in activities such as running and jumping. | ||
== Prevention == | == Prevention == | ||
Prevention strategies for shin splints include gradually increasing activity levels, cross-training with low-impact activities, wearing proper footwear, and incorporating strength training and flexibility exercises into your fitness routine. | Prevention strategies for shin splints include gradually increasing activity levels, cross-training with low-impact activities, wearing proper footwear, and incorporating strength training and flexibility exercises into your fitness routine. | ||
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
* [[Stress fracture]] | * [[Stress fracture]] | ||
* [[Running injuries]] | * [[Running injuries]] | ||
Latest revision as of 18:21, 8 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Shin splints | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | Sports medicine, Orthopedics |
| Symptoms | Pain along the inner edge of the shinbone |
| Complications | N/A |
| Onset | Gradual |
| Duration | Weeks to months |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Overuse, repetitive stress on the tibia |
| Risks | Running, dancing, military training |
| Diagnosis | Based on physical examination and medical history |
| Differential diagnosis | Stress fracture, compartment syndrome, tendinitis |
| Prevention | Gradual increase in activity, proper footwear, strengthening exercises |
| Treatment | Rest, ice, NSAIDs, physical therapy |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Good with proper treatment |
| Frequency | Common in athletes and military recruits |
| Deaths | N/A |
Shin splints, medically known as medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), refer to pain felt along the inner edge of your shinbone (tibia). This condition is commonly experienced by individuals who engage in moderate to high-intensity physical activity, such as runners, dancers, and military personnel. Shin splints are often the result of overworking the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue in the lower leg, particularly through excessive physical training or a sudden change in physical activity level.
Signs and Symptoms[edit]
The primary symptom of shin splints is a sharp pain or dull ache along the inner part of the shinbone. This pain may be felt during or after physical activities, and may be accompanied by mild swelling in the lower leg. It's important to seek medical attention if the shin pain persists even at rest, or if there is severe swelling or the shin feels hot to touch, as these could indicate more serious conditions like a stress fracture.
Causes and Risk Factors[edit]
Shin splints are typically caused by repetitive stress on the shinbone and the tissues that attach the shinbone to the surrounding muscles. Factors contributing to shin splints may include:
- Overuse or sudden increase in training load
- Running or training on uneven surfaces
- Improper footwear or incorrect running form
- Flat feet or high arches
- Previous history of shin splints
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of shin splints is generally made through a medical history and physical examination. In some cases, imaging tests such as X-rays, bone scans, or MRIs may be ordered to rule out other conditions, such as stress fractures.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for shin splints typically involves conservative measures, including:
- Rest: Limiting activities that cause pain, such as running or jumping
- Ice: Applying ice to the affected area to reduce pain and swelling
- Compression: Wearing an elastic compression bandage
- Elevation: Raising the leg above the level of the heart
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation
- Corrective footwear: Using supportive shoes and orthotics to correct foot and leg imbalances
- Physical therapy may also be recommended to improve flexibility and strength in the lower leg muscles, and to promote better movement patterns in activities such as running and jumping.
Prevention[edit]
Prevention strategies for shin splints include gradually increasing activity levels, cross-training with low-impact activities, wearing proper footwear, and incorporating strength training and flexibility exercises into your fitness routine.
