Shin Splints

Shin splints is a common injury in those participating in impact sports such as running, basketball, netball and volleyball. Generally shin splints occur either towards the end of a season or when there has been a recent increase in training loads.

What

The shin is a generic term used for your tibia, the bone at the front of your lower leg. Generally the term “shin splints” is used to describe pain at either the front or the side of your tibia bone. Common symptoms include:

• Dull aching pain
• Pain on impact
• Tender to touch - bone or muscle
• Discomfort at varying stages of activity
• Worsening over time

How

The most common cause of shin splints is a tightness in the deep muscle of the calf, the soleus muscle. This muscle gets tight due to lack of stretching, poor foot and lower limb mechanics, a change in training load and even a change in footwear. The tightness in this muscle then results in inflammation of the bone leading to the pain that is known as shin splints.

Assessment and Management

The team at MTM Physiotherapy Warwick are experts in the assessment and management of all sporting injuries. We will ensure that your injury is correctly diagnosed through a range of physical tests and if indicated the use of medical imaging.

With regards to shin splints, the main focus of treatment will be aimed at releasing calf muscle tightness and then strengthening your lower leg to ensure that the correct biomechanics are occurring to reduce the risk of re-injury.  

The Physiotherapists at utilise the following treatments:

MTM Physiotherapy Warwick

• Massage
• Joint Mobilisations
• Dry Needling
• Electrotherapy if indicated
• Taping
• Home exercise programs (strength, range of motion and balance)
• Home management advice
• Exercise rehabilitation in the gym Warwick Workout
• Return to sport fitness testing and training on the courts Warwick Stadium

Article by Matt Beavis