Shin Splints

What are Shin Splints?

Shin splints are the common name for chronic pain in the front (anterior) or back (posterior) of the shin. This pain is typically an inflammation of one or more muscles due to poor flexibility or biomechanics (how all of the body’s parts work together). Where you feel the pain indicates which muscle(s) are affected and how it is addressed.

Anterior (front) shin splints

These shin splints are an inflammation of the muscle in the front of the shin called the tibialis anterior. This muscle causes your ankle to flex upward (dorsiflexion). Pain in this muscle is typically due to poor flexibility in the calf muscles. If the calf muscles are too tight this muscle has to work very hard to flex your ankle upward and will get sore and inflamed.

Treatment: Increase the flexibility in the calf muscles and strengthen the anterior tibialis. Click here to go to the exercise program.

Posterior (back) shin splints

These shin splints are typically an inflammation of the muscle on the back of the shin bone called the posterior tibialis, although, it can involve surrounding muscles also. People with flat feet or whose feet over pronate (flattening of the arch when you put weigh on the foot) are more susceptible to these shin splints. These people typically will have muscle imbalances from the foot all the way up to the hip including tight calves, quadriceps, hip flexors and groins as well as weak arch muscles, hamstrings and gluteals.

Treatment: Increase the flexibility of the tight muscles, strengthen the weak ones, and work on their ability to balance standing on one foot. Click here to go to the exercise program.

Why you need to treat shin splints

Shin splints can be very uncomfortable and the pain can progress to the point where you are unable to participate in sports, or even walk, without debilitating pain. Occasionally, shin splints can progress to a more serious condition known as a stress fracture. The chronic inflammation in the area can lead to a break down in the bone next to it. The beginning of the breakdown of the bone is a stress reaction. Once that breakdown breaches the outer layer of the bone, called the cortex, it becomes a stress fracture. Most cases of shin splints can be managed while you are still participating in sports, though your activity may need to be modified. Stress reactions and fractures are handled much more conservatively and can result in significant time out of your sport.