Shin splints are one of the more common injuries in athletes, even more so in runners. In fact, shin splints make up 13% of all running injuries. Shin splints – often referred to as tibial stress syndrome – are categorized by irritated and aching muscles in your shins. Although shin splints usually heal on their own, their presence can indicate that there is a bigger issue going on in the foot.
Causes of Shin Splints
- Overuse/Overtraining
- Improper running gait, especially among novice runners
- Consistently running on hard surfaces
- Improper treatment of prior foot injury
Symptoms of Shin Splints
- Dull, aching pain in the front of the lower leg
- Chronic leg pain, which intensifies during and after a workout
- Redness or pain to the touch
- Weakness or numbness in the lower leg
Non-Surgical Treatment
Non-surgical treatment is usually the preferred method of treatment, but your doctor may suggest a corrective procedure if an underlying issue like a stress fracture or ligament damage is present. Whether you receive surgical or non-surgical treatment, the doctor will usually begin by taking X-rays of the injured leg. Bones scans or X-ray imaging can help reveal minor fractures that may be causing the shin pain.
Some non-surgical options include:
- A combination of ice and rest
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Customized orthotics to aid in arch support
- Rehab and strengthening exercises
- Compression sleeves to provide warmth and support
Surgical Treatment
As mentioned above, surgical procedures to correct shin splints are uncommon, but surgery may be recommended if other issues are uncovered.
One of the more common procedures associated with shin splints is to fix a condition known as compartment syndrome. In compartment syndrome, blood vessels and nerves in the leg become compressed due to inflammation in the leg. If the problem is ignored, a patient may suffer nerve damage which can lead to leg weakness and atrophy.
To address compartment syndrome, the doctor will perform what is known as a fasciotomy. In the procedure, the doctor will cut over remove the fascia (connective tissue) that is causing the inflammation. Once the doctor is convinced that the pressure has been relieved, he will close the incision. The majority of patients who undergo a fasciotomy see an improvement in their condition.
If you’re dealing with lower leg pain during or after a workout, consult a doctor to determine what’s causing your pain. Plenty of happy patients have already had similar operations, and they are experiencing fantastic results.
Related source: WebMD.com