Shin splints

What are the causes of shin splints?

There are several causes associated with shin splints, but in reality we do not know exactly what the reason is for someone to get shin splints. 

The main causes are listed below:

Stress fractures

This injury most often occurs due to the overuse of specific muscles. It will often develop after repeated periods of stress on your bones, for example, running or dancing over a long period of time.

Medial tibial stress syndrome

This is inflammation, where the tendon attaches to the thin layer of tissue that covers the bone (periosteum). This term is now being used more instead of "Shin Splints."

Compartment syndrome

This happens when your muscle swells. Your muscles are enclosed by fibrous tissue, which stops them from flopping about in the leg, so if the fluid does build up, there isn't any room to expand. When the pressure in your muscle increases, it causes the symptoms of compartment syndrome. True compartment syndrome is an emergency and needs prompt attention.

Worn-out or poorly fitting footwear, muscle weakness and running on hard surfaces can all cause shin splints. Shin splints often occur if there has been an increase in running mileage or an alteration in training footwear. It often occurs in those with "flat feet" where the foot and leg roll inwards too much (pronate). This rotation overloads the muscles and tendons in the shin.

What should I do if I have shin splints?

If you suspect that you have shin splints, you should arrange a consultation to see us at the Footfix clinic in Birmingham as soon as possible to confirm your diagnosis and ascertain the cause of your condition.

What shouldn't I do if I have shin splints?

If you have shin splints and you continue to follow the same training regime, your condition is likely to worsen, so you should rest prior to your podiatry assessment. Running through the pain is not advisable as it will cause your shin splints to worsen.

Podiatry treatment for shin splints?

Shin splints are common in those with flat feet (also known as pronated feet). If a foot over pronates (rotates inwards), the structures of the ankle and lower leg are stretched and put under stress. Fully functional orthotics (shoe inserts) can help control this over rotation and support the arch, therefore reducing the stress on the muscles and alleviating the pain in your feet and lower leg.