Shin splints

The name Shin Splints is given to the pain experienced at the front of the lower leg. The most common cause is inflammation of the periostium of the tibia (sheath surrounding the bone). The injury is an overuse injury and can be caused by running on hard surfaces, running on tip toes and sports where a lot of jumping is involved. If you over pronate then you are also more susceptible to this injury.

Symptoms include:

• Tenderness over the inside of the shin
• Lower leg pain
• Sometimes some swelling
• Lumps and bumps over the bone
• Pain when the toes or foot are bent downwards
• A redness over the inside of the shin

• Rest. The sooner you rest the sooner it will heal
• Apply ice in the early stages when it is very painful
• Maintain fitness with other exercises
• Apply heat and use a heat retainer after the initial acute stage, particularly before training
• See a sports injury specialist who can advise on treatment and rehabilitation

• Prescribe anti-inflammatory medication e.g. ibuprofen. (Always consult a doctor before taking medication)
• Tape the ankle for support. - A taping worn all day will allow the shin to rest properly
• Analyse running style for over pronation
• Use sports massage techniques on the posterior deep muscle compartment but avoid the inflammed periostium
• Operate!