Shin splints
Shin splints, medically called medial tibial stress syndrome, is pain along the inside of the shin bone in the lower leg. It commonly comes on with running, especially on hard or uneven surfaces. Fiona assesses and diagnoses shin pain in an initial consultation from $100.
What shin splints are
Shin splints is pain along the inside of the shin bone (tibia) that builds up with activity. The medical name is medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS). It is commonly triggered by prolonged running, typically on hard or irregularly shaped surfaces.
Symptoms
Shin splints symptoms you may notice include:
- Pain along the inside of the lower leg at the tibia
- Pain that worsens with running, jumping or gym exercise
- Tenderness when pressing along the shin bone
- Discomfort that eases when you rest
Pain from shin splints tends to build up during activity rather than appearing suddenly with one injury.
Causes and risk factors
Shin splints has several recognised causes. Training on hard or uneven surfaces places high impact on the lower legs. Tightness in the calves or muscle weakness can contribute. Biomechanical factors such as high arches or flat feet may increase the strain on the shin. Poor training methods, such as not warming up or running up hills, add to the load. Other factors include being overweight, excessive training or activity, and wearing incorrect or worn out footwear during sport.
Treatment at the clinic
Treatment at the clinic starts with an assessment and diagnosis. Fiona takes your history, examines the shin and assesses your foot posture and the way you walk. Referral for X-ray, ultrasound or MRI is arranged when further imaging is needed. Your treatment plan may include rest advice, strapping and taping, stretching and strengthening programs, and custom orthotics where your foot posture is part of the problem. Custom orthotics are from $650 including the biomechanical assessment, fitting and a review appointment. Semi-custom orthotics are from $450 including the biomechanical assessment and fitting. An initial consultation is from $100, and a standard consultation is from $90.
Looking after it at home
Rest is the first step, and regular runners may need a break from running. Ice your shins by rolling a frozen bottle up and down along the painful area. Change your footwear, alternating between two different pairs of runners and replacing worn out shoes, as running shoes need replacing when they are worn. Activity modification helps in the meantime: swimming and bike riding place less stress on your shins.
When to see a podiatrist
See a podiatrist when shin pain persists despite rest, or when it returns every time you resume running. Fiona can assess your foot posture and the way you walk, and refer you for imaging when a stress fracture is suspected. See your GP promptly if the pain is severe, if one spot on the bone is pinpoint tender, or if the leg is swollen, numb or pale, as these signs can point to a stress fracture or compartment syndrome rather than shin splints.
Questions
Are shin splints and medial tibial stress syndrome the same thing?
Yes, medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) is the medical name for shin splints. Both describe pain along the inside of the shin bone in the lower leg.
Do I need orthotics for shin splints?
Orthotics may help when biomechanical factors such as high arches, flat feet or overpronation are adding strain to your shins. Fiona assesses this in a biomechanical consultation and only recommends orthotics when she expects them to help.
How do I know if my shin pain is a stress fracture?
Shin splints usually causes pain spread along the inside of the tibia, while a stress fracture tends to cause pinpoint tenderness at one spot on the bone. Fiona can arrange referral for an X-ray, ultrasound or MRI when imaging is needed.