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Alternative names Return to top
Lower leg pain; Pain - shins; Anterior tibia painDefinition Return to top
Shin splints are pains in the front of the lower legs caused by exercise, usually after a period of relative inactivity.Considerations Return to top
Shin splints can be caused by any of four types of problems, none of which are serious. All types of shin splints can be treated with rest.Common Causes Return to top
Tibial shin splints are very common problems that affect both recreational and trained athletes. Runners are often affected.
Tibial periostitis occurs further toward the front of the leg than posterior tibial shin splints, and the bone itself is tender.
Anterior compartment syndrome affects the outer side of the front of the leg.
Stress fractures usually produce localized, sharp pain with tenderness 1 or 2 inches below the knee. A stress fracture is likely to occur 2 or 3 weeks into a new training program or after beginning a more strenuous training regimen.
Home Care Return to top
For posterior tibial and tibial periostitis shin splints, the healing process usually takes a week of rest with ice treatment for 20 minutes twice a day. Over-the-counter pain medications will also help. Do not resume running for another 2 to 4 weeks.
For anteriorcompartment syndrome, pain will usually subside as the muscles gradually accustom themselves to the vigorous exercise. Complete rest is probably not necessary.
For a stress fracture, rest for at least 1 month is required. Complete healing requires 4 to 6 weeks. Crutches can be used but typically are not necessary.
Call your health care provider if Return to top
Although shin splints are seldom serious, you may need to call your health care provider:
What to expect at your health care provider's office Return to top
The health care provider will perform a physical examination and will obtain your medical history.
Medical history questions documenting your symptom in detail may include the following:
The physical examination may include an examination of the legs.
Home treatment will be prescribed for any of the different types of shin splints. Surgical intervention might be indicated in the rare event that shin splints caused by an anterior compartment syndrome do not go away over time. The pressure can be relieved by splitting the tough, fibrous tissue that surrounds the muscles. Surgery may also be necessary in the cases of nonhealing stress fractures.
Update Date: 2/12/2003 Updated by: Andrew L. Chen, M.D., M.S., Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |