Suffering from Shin Splints?

Well, it’s that time of year again!  The sun is warm and the runners are coming out in droves!  Did you start out a little too eager and now you are having pain? It is estimated that shin splints account for 10—15% of all running injuries and 60% of all conditions that cause pain in the legs.

What are the signs and symptoms of shin splints?

Shin splints are characterized by a general, diffuse pain along the inside border of the tibia, in the front of the leg.

Four grades of pain have been outlined:

1. Grade I: Pain occurring after athletic activity
2. Grade II: Pain occurring before and after athletic activity but not affecting performance
3. Grade III: Pain occurring before, during, and after activity and affecting performance
4. Grade IV: Pain so severe that activity is not possible

Treatment of Shin Splints

• REST!
• Ice/ice massage
• NSAIDs (if recommended)
• Stretching of lower leg muscles
• Strengthening of lower leg muscles
• Activity/training modification to eliminate pain
• Shoe/equipment evaluation and modification
• Compression with a sleeve or tape

Should I see a doctor?

Referral to a physician may be necessary to rule out a stress fracture, compartment syndrome, or other more serious condition. If pain becomes increasingly worse without activity or the pain becomes more localized, see a physician for an x-ray and other special tests!

Don’t try to run through the pain.  If you think that you might have shin splints, see your doctor, asap!  He or she may recommend a running analysis and/or physical therapy to get you back to training in no time!

+ Find a primary care physician near you!
+ Learn more about In Motion’s Running program.