Shin splints are known by many names, but the correct
terminology is medial tibial stress syndrome, or MTSS. As the name implies, the condition involves
stress or overload of the inner, or medial, border of the shin bone—the tibia.
We usually see MTSS when someone abruptly changes their
training routine. The bone is
overstressed and begins to remodel. It
also develops a tiny amount of fluid between the main layer of bone and the
outer jacket, called the periosteum.
On examination, the inside of the leg is very tender,
especially along the bone. X-rays
usually don’t show any abnormalities. And bone scans and MRIs, while helpful to
confirm the diagnosis, are usually unnecessary and expensive.
So what do you do about shin splints if you have them? The answer is simple, but is one that
athletes don’t like to hear. REST!! That doesn’t mean sitting on the couch all
day and resting, but rather changing the exercise to a cross-training activity
like swimming or biking to maintain cardiovascular fitness while allowing the
bone to heal.
Other things that may help include anti-inflammatory
medicines, ice, compression sleeves, and arch supports. However, there is no clear evidence that any
of these things work. Generally, rest is
key!
It’s usually just better to avoid getting shin splints. The most important way to do that is to
increase training gradually, allowing for plenty of time to reach your
goals. A high quality shoe and limiting
running on really hard surfaces also helps.
If you suspect you have shin splints, try giving it some
time to rest. But if there is one small
area on the shin that is a lot more tender than the surrounding bone or if your
pain is not improving over time, it may indicate a stress fracture, and you
should have your doctor take a look.
