In this Article

• What are shin splints?
• What are the symptoms of shin splints?
• What causes shin splints?
• How is the are shin splints diagnosed?
• How were shin splints treated?
• What is the multifaceted "relative rest" approach?
• Shin Splints At A Glance
• Shin Splints Glossary
• Shin Splints Index

How were shin splints treated?

Previously, two different treatment management strategies were used: total rest or a "run through it" approach. The total rest was often an unacceptable option to the athlete. The run through it approach was even worse. It often led to worsening of the injury and of the symptoms.

Currently, a multifaceted approach of "relative rest" is successfully utilized to restore the athlete to a pain-free level of competition.

What is the multifaceted "relative rest" approach?

This multifaceted approach includes:

• Workouts such as stationary bicycling or pool running: These will allow maintenance of cardiovascular fitness.
• Icing reduces inflammation.
• Anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin); naproxen (Aleve/Naprosyn), are also a central part of rehabilitation.
• A 4-inch wide Ace bandage wrapped around the region also helps reduce discomfort.
• Calf and anterior (front of) leg stretching and strengthening addresses the biomechanical problems discussed above and reduce pain.
• Pay careful attention to selecting the correct running shoe based upon the foot type (flexible pronator vs. rigid supinator). This is extremely important. In selected cases, shoe inserts (orthotics) may be necessary.
• Stretching and strengthening exercises are done twice a day.
• Run only when symptoms have generally resolved (often about two weeks) and with several restrictions:

1. A level and soft terrain is best.
2. Distance is limited to 50% of that tolerated preinjury.
3. Intensity (pace) is similarly cut by one half.
4. Over a three-six week period, a gradual increase in distance is allowed.
5. Only then can a gradual increase in pace be attempted.

Caveat!

The amount of injury that occurs prior to any rehabilitation program plays a significant role in determining the time frame necessary for complete recovery.

Shin Splints At A Glance

• Shin splints are a type of "overuse injury" to the legs.
• The pain is characteristic and located on the outer edge of the mid region of the leg next to the shin bone (tibia). It can be extreme and halt workouts.
• The diagnosis requires a careful focused examination.
• A multifaceted approach of "relative rest" can restore a pain- free level of activity and a return to competition.
• The "relative rest" approach includes a change in the workout, ice, rest, antiinflammation medications, stretching exercises, possible change in footwear, and gradual increase in running activities.

References:

Clinical Primer of Rheumatology, Lippincott Williams & Wilkens, edited by William Koopman, et al., 2003.
Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology, W B Saunders Co, edited by Shaun Ruddy, et al., 2000.

Shin Splints - Length Symptoms Lasted

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