Also known as Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS), there are many different types of shin splints. While shin splints can seem harmless, if left untreated it can impact your ability to keep up training and even interfere with your daily routine. The good news is that you can prevent and treat shin splints quite easily.

Shin splints are a common overuse injury that causes pain along the inside of the tibia (shin bone).The pain can be coming from injury to the muscles surrounding the tibia, the structures that attach these muscles to the tibia or the tibia itself.

The exact cause of shin splints is often difficult to pinpoint, however as with many overuse injuries, dysfunction at another site can cause tissue to take on more stress and begin to breakdown. Some of the common factors that may increase your risk of developing shin splints include training errors, increasing intensity too quickly, running uphill, and reduced muscle strength and flexibility.

Shin splints often start as a dull pain around the inside of the shin, usually around the middle third of the lower leg.  You may feel pain before, during, or after activity. The affected area may be sore and tender, with some swelling and often both legs are affected. Pain often begins gradually, it may come and go as you warm-up, depending on the activity. However, as the condition progresses pain can be present constantly – both during exercise and during rest.

Physiotherapy treatment for overuse injuries is aimed at identifying the factors that are most likely to be contributing to your pain and assist with correction of any muscle imbalances, joint stiffness and training errors. Stretching and soft tissue work with an appropriate strengthening program can be of great benefit at this stage, combined with a gradual return to sport program.

For more information on shin splints book an appointment - ring 07 579 5601 or email [email protected]