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There are two main conditions which cause pain in the shin: 1. Shin Splints (sometimes called Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome) - Exercise induced in athletes
- People who are on their feet all day
- Over pronation (in rolling) of the feet leading to structures of leg being put under stress.
- Tight Calf Muscles
All can lead to: - Inflammatory reaction involving deep tissues if the lower leg
- Pain in inner or front and outer aspects of leg
- Running and walking will be extremely painful
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Treatment1. Decrease in training activity
2. Stretching Exercises
3. Biomechanical Assessment and Gait Analysis including prescription of orthoses to control the excessive pronation on the feet and the rotation of the leg which reduces stress in the shin. 2. Compartment Syndrome Compartment syndromes arise when a muscle becomes too big for the sheath that surrounds it causing pain. The big muscle on the outside of the shin is called the Tibialis Anterior and is surrounded by a sheath. This is called the anterior compartment of the lower leg. Compartment syndromes can be acute or chronic. Causes of Compartment Syndrome include sudden trauma or overuse injuries and symptoms include: - Sharp pain in the muscle
- Swelling
- Pain when the foot and toes are bent downwards
Treatment Following a Biomechanical Assessment and Gait Analysis to confirm the diagnosis, may include: - Rest, Ice and Compression
- Anti-inflammatory Medication
- Prescription of functional orthoses to correct any biomechanical dysfunction
Occasionally surgery may be necessary where a small cut is made to the muscle sheath to allow the muscle to expand out. |  |  |
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