Shin Splints Definition

Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome) are an inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue around your tibia. Pain typically occurs along the inner border of the tibia, where muscles attach to the bone.

Cause

Any hard, repetitive exercise can bring on shin splints. Runners are most commonly affected but dancers and new military recruits are prime candidates also. Increases in activity or changes to training on harder surfaces are contributing factors. Also worn out and unevenly worn footwear or those folks with a low arch shape seem more prone to this type of injury.

Treatment

Because shin splints are typically caused by overuse, standard treatment includes several weeks of lower activity. Lower impact types of aerobic activity can be substituted during your recovery, such as swimming, or using a bike. Drugs like ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen reduce pain and swelling. Ice and compression wraps are used to reduce swelling. People with recurrent problems or flat feet should wear custom or premade quality foot orthotics to align and stabilize the foot and ankle and a properly fit cushioned shoe is mandatory.