Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome:
Shin Splints, Causes and Treatment Options
Medial tibial stress syndrome has long been referred to as “shin splints” due to the symptom location along the shinbone (tibia). It has been suggested that stress to the soft tissue (muscles and other connective tissue) deep behind the shinbone have been the source of pain. However, more recent studies have suggested that symptoms may be related to an imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation. Basically more bone is being reabsorbed than being created do to high levels of stress and activity along the shinbone.
Common amongst runners and military personal it is estimated that approximately 35% of active individuals may experience shin splints.
Increased pronation or flattening of the arch of the foot
Those with an excessive arch or high arch foot type are more susceptible to shin splints
Elevated BMI, but this is not a consistent risk factor
Training errors or overuse/under recovery type issues
Gender: women typically experience shin splints more often than men
Point tenderness along the medial aspect of the shin bone
Ache during and after activity. The amount of pain and time to settle after activity has stopped is dependent on how irritable the condition is
Pain may worsen as activity continues
Pain with activities that place greater stress to the tibia such as running, repetitive jumping sports, such as volleyball and basketball
A physical therapist will determine the extent of your shin splints and will create an active recovery plan to treat your shin splints. Your recovery plan will be specific to where you are in the recovery process and the extent of the injury.
Your physical therapist may recommend:
Jessica Jones
Physical Therapist
Jessica recently moved to Seattle from Boston, MA and is excited to join the Therapydia team. Her treatment experience includes orthopedics, sports medicine, pediatrics, and vestibular therapy. Jessica received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Northeastern University in Boston, MA in 2016. She has completed the Pediatric Physical Therapy Residency at Boston Children’s Hospital and is in the process of completing a Comprehensive Vestibular Rehabilitation certification. Jessica believes in empowering and inspiring patients to take control of their health through education, movement, and exercise. She enjoys treating patients of all ages and levels while utilizing soft tissue techniques, neuromuscular re-education, balance training as well as therapeutic exercise. In her free time, Jessica enjoys yoga, dancing, kayaking, and hiking with her dog!
Same-day or next-day appointments are available for new patients.
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