Shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome, is a condition that affects the lower leg in the shin region. It is often caused by overuse or repetitive stress on the shinbone (tibia) and the surrounding muscles and tendons. It typically occurs in runners and athletes that engage in intensive weight-bearing sports, such as high and long jumpers.

Shin splints can be painful and can interfere with daily activities like walking or running.

The most common symptom of shin splints is pain along the inner edge of the shinbone. This pain may be dull at first but can become more severe with continued activity.

Other symptoms may include:
Swelling in the lower leg
Tenderness and soreness along the shinbone
Numbness or weakness in the feet
Pain that worsens during and after exercise
Pain that persists even when at rest

Shin splints are often caused by repetitive stress on the shinbone and surrounding muscles and tendons. This stress can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Overuse: Engaging in high-impact activities such as running, jumping, or dancing for extended periods of time can put a lot of stress on the lower leg, leading to shin splints
Improper footwear: Wearing shoes that do not provide proper support or cushioning can also contribute to shin splints
Muscle imbalances: Weakness or tightness in certain muscles, such as the calf muscles, can cause the muscles and tendons surrounding the shinbone to work harder, leading to shin splints
Flat feet or high arches: Having flat feet or high arches can cause an abnormal distribution of weight on the lower leg, leading to shin splints
Sudden increase in activity: Starting a new exercise routine or increasing the intensity of an existing routine too quickly can also cause shin splints.

Physiotherapy can be an effective treatment for shin splints. Our physiotherapists can assess the underlying causes of the condition and develop a treatment plan that addresses the individual's needs.

Physiotherapy can help with shin splints in several ways:

Providing pain relief: we use various techniques to help reduce pain and inflammation, such as massage, ice therapy, and ultrasound

Improving flexibility and strength: we prescribe stretching and strengthening exercises to address muscle imbalances and improve flexibility and strength in the lower leg

Addressing biomechanical issues: we can assess an individual's gait and foot posture and prescribe corrective exercises or custom orthotics to address any biomechanical issues that may be contributing to shin splints

Preventing future injury: Physiotherapists can provide advice on how to prevent shin splints from recurring, such as proper footwear, warm-up and cool-down routines, and gradual progression of activity levels.

In conjunction with medical history taking, our physiotherapists will perform a series of diagnostic tests to determine the severity of your condition and the factors contributing to it. These tests will also help determine the best course of treatment.

Once our physiotherapists have assessed the situation, they will customise a treatment plan to help you recover faster and return to full mobility.

We use a range of physiotherapy methods to treat medial tibial stress syndrome. Your treatment plan may include:

Stretching and strengthening exercises: our physiotherapists may prescribe exercises to improve flexibility and strength in the lower leg muscles, particularly the calf muscles

Manual therapy: in some situations, we may use manual techniques to help reduce pain and improve circulation in the affected area

Biomechanical correction: If the individual has biomechanical issues that may be contributing to shin splints, we may prescribe corrective exercises or custom orthotics to address these issues

Rest and ice therapy: Resting the affected leg and applying ice packs to the area can help reduce pain and inflammation

Gradual return to activity: we will provide guidance on how to gradually return to activity levels without exacerbating the condition

If you have been experiencing symptoms of shin splints, please consult your physiotherapist for a differential diagnosis. If left untreated, the symptoms can worsen and may actually lead to damage. In these serious cases, surgery may be the only treatment option.

Our experienced physiotherapists can provide personalised care to help you manage your symptoms and improve your underlying condition.

Contact our clinics today to book your appointment or for more information.