Shin Splints

Over training can also create chronic swelling in the lower leg compartments thus leading tissue damage in the musculature of the lower leg 13. Pain to touch will be present along the anterior tibialis muscle’s vertical placement.

Shin Splints is a generic term which can be broken down into three different categories: Anterior Compartment Syndrome, Posterior Compartment Syndrome, and Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome. Also, recurring strain to the tendons may result in microtears at the origins or insertions of the muscles or tendons15. The muscles involved are the tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus and extensor digitorum longus. 15

Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome is characterized by sharp pain present on the distal one-half of the medial aspect of the tibia. their limitations results in forces being transmitted to the bony structures for reduction, not the soft tissues. Unless the athlete is properly conditioned, this will lead to fatigue and injury of the dorsiflexors. An athlete may exhibit pain or weakness with plantar flexion and inversion of the ankle and also palpable pain deep to the achillies tendon. The tibialis posterior, flexor hallucis longus, and the flexor digitorum longus muscles are often affected. 15

The Posterior Compartment Syndrome is often displayed in athletes who excessively pronate, resulting in injury to the musculature supporting the medial longitudinal arch. Anterior Compartment Syndrome is generally caused by repetitive walking or running on hard surfaces wearing shoes with poor shock absorption qualities. The two most common causes for Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome are excessive running and over-pronation, which stresses the medial aspect of the lower leg. These three muscles all act to dissipate forces on heel strike, and the tibialis anterior is active during 85% of the running cycle.