Shin Splints: The intense leg pain

Jul 07, 2019 Dr Zulfikar Bux, Features / Columnists

Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine

Dr Zulfikar Bux

Shin splints are a type of pain you get in your shinbone – the large bone in the front of your lower leg. They often occur when you overuse your legs more than normal. The pains can be intense and some may be unable to walk because of the severity of the pain. While the pain can be severe, the good news is it is not a dangerous condition and will resolve in time – usually within a few weeks, with rest and proper treatment.
WHAT ARE SYMPTOMS OF SHIN SPLINTS?
You can get shin splints in one or both of your legs. Most people who have shin splints feel pain on the inside edge of their shinbones. Pain may be a sharp or a dull ache. Your shins may hurt when you’re active and/or inactive. The pain may be worse with pressure or exercise. It may improve with rest and at-home treatment. It will usually come on the day after you would have overexerted your legs.
WHAT CAUSES SHIN SPLINTS?
Shin splints occur from repeated and often high-impact motion. They cause inflammation where your muscles and tendons connect to your shinbone. Some people have an increased risk of getting shin splints. This includes people who:
• Play sports, such as running, dancing, and gymnastics
• Exercise on hard surfaces
• Wear ill-fitting or worn out shoes
• Have flat feet
• Roll their feet when they walk or run
• Increase training times, levels, or distances too fast
• Are new to a high-impact sport.
HOW ARE SHIN SPLINTS DIAGNOSED?
You should go see your doctor if:
• Your pain does not improve with rest
• Your shin area is swollen, red, or hot to touch.
Your doctor will review your symptoms, activity, and health history. They may order tests, including an X-ray or an MRI. These help rule out other issues, such as a stress fracture. This is a small crack along the bone.
CAN SHIN SPLINTS BE PREVENTED OR AVOIDED?
Athletes who are at risk of shin splints can take some precautions. Runners should choose shoes that fit well and absorb shock. Shoes start to lose shock resistance after about 250 miles of use. Try running on softer surfaces, such as a track or treadmill. Do not increase training too fast if you are new or getting back into running. Cross training with low-impact activities also can help. Examples of these include swimming and using an elliptical machine.
ARE THERE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR SHIN SPLINTS?
Treatment for shin splints depends on the degree of your injury and your health. You can try at-home treatments, such as the following:
• Decrease activity or rest. Identify what motions affect your shins most and limit or stop these. If your pain doesn’t improve, switch to low impact exercises or rest from all activity.
• Ice your shins. You can ice your lower leg a few times a day. Use ice packs, ice massage, or an ice bath. This can help reduce swelling and ease pain.
• Pain medicine. You can take an anti-inflammatory pain medication such as ibuprofen or diclofenac to relieve the pain and swelling.
• Stretching is important to prevent and treat injuries. With shin splints, you should stretch your calves, Achilles tendons, and ankles well.
• Massage also can help in releasing and relaxing your muscles. Try massaging your calves, Achilles tendons, and other muscles surrounding your shins.
• Kinesiology tape (KT tape). This is a type of flexible athletic tape. There are specific applications depending on your injury. KT tape can help relieve pain from shin splints and provide support.
• Your doctor may recommend getting physical therapy. This can help with pain, but also strengthen your leg muscles. Athletes can try using orthotic shoe inserts or arch supports. These help realign your feet and absorb shock. Ask your doctor for suggestions.
Begin treatment right away if you have symptoms of shin splints. This can help reduce long-term damage. It can take several weeks or months for shin splints to heal. Once the pain is gone, you can return to your normal routine. Do remember to go slow initially so that you can prevent another bout of shin splints.

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