Shin Splints

Pain up the front of the leg.

Cause

Despite how it sounds, shin splints is really an over use injury!

The tibialis anterior muscle arises from the arch of the foot, passes round the ankle joint and up the front of the leg where it finally inserts into the side of the shin bone. Over pronation (excessive rolling in of the foot) causes the anteriot tibialis muscle to work harder.

As the muscle contractions are longer and more frequent, micro trauma occurs at the junction between the shin bone and the tendon producing inflammation.

Palpation of the area will be tender to the touch and usually will ease with rest.

Treatment

Initial treatment for shin splints involves rest from exercise, the application of ice to the area and compression with a suitable bandage (tubigrip).

When the area has had time to repair the following measures should be under taken;

• A stretching and strengthening exercise program for the affected muscle.
• Fitting for the correct running/training shoes.
• Assessment of your gait, (walking/running style).

Incorrect foot function is a major cause of shin splints. Functional semi rigid Foot Orthotics should be pescribed to correct the over pronation.

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