Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), better known as “shin splints” is a common overuse injury, largely in response to repetitive loading by cyclical impact activities like running or jumping.
MTSS may start out as tight shin muscles and over time these tight muscle start to pull on the attachment to the shin bone (tibia) causing traction and inflammation. This can progress to a stress reaction where the underlying bone becomes injured, which can lead stress fractures of the tibia.
The incidence of shin splints accounts for up to 20% of running related injuries. It is also found in other ballistic sports such as football, basketball, soccer and dancing. Shin splints often occur after sudden changes in physical activity – number of days you exercise, duration or intensity. Additionally, training on different terrains can also increase stress and load through the shin bone. Other risk factors have been identified including female sex, decreased flexibility and weakness of calf muscles, higher body mass index and history of previous leg injuries.
Shin splints typically present with sharp, dull and throbbing pain. It may occur during or after exercise and be worse the following morning.
MTSS is one of the most common causes of shin pain, however your physio will differentiate between other causes of shin pain such as tendinopathy, compartment syndrome and stress fracture to ensure you follow the appropriate rehabilitation.
To get you back to running and sport, treatment may involve:
