Shin Splints -- What is it?
- Catchall term for overuse problems affecting the legs
- Anterior-lateral is overuse of the dorsiflexor muscles including the tibialis anterior
- Posterior-medial, also called medial tibial stress syndrome effects the tibialis posterior muscle and soleus
Causes:
- A major factor for the posterior shin splints is overpronation. The tibialis posterior controls pronation and is excessively stretched during overpronation.
- Anterior shin splints may be caused by weakness in the anterior tibialis muscle and tightness in the calf muscles.
- Sudden changes in running surface, distance, speed may all contribute to the development of shin splints.
Symptoms:
- Pain typically at the start of activity and then decreasing as the muscles warm up. Pain typically reoccurs after the activity is done.
- Point tenderness along the affected muscles.
- Education on proper training techniques and when to switch shoes out ( anterior/lateral )
- If caused by excessive pronation, consider a stability or motion control shoe/insert ( posterior/medial )
- Icing, friction massage.
- Physical Therapist may suggest strengthening exercises.
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