Tasmanian Foot & Ankle Clinic

Shin Splints or Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS) is a common cause of leg pain in athletes.  Research suggests that there may be several causes leading to shin splints dependent on the location of pain. These can include:

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• Rapid un-controlled pronation of the foot

• Reduced ankle range of motion

• Tight/shortened calf muscles

• Intrinsic and extrinsic muscle weakness

• Sudden increase in intensity and duration of activity (shin splints are commonly reported in beginner runners)

• Inappropriate footwear style for activity conducted or ‘worn-out’ footwear

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Pain is reported along the shin bone during activity. If it's not treated it can progress to be painful when not active and potentially develop into a tibial stress fracture. Diagnosis is essential to rule out other conditions such as compartment syndrome.

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Shin Splints are commonly seen in athletes who perform in high intensity activities such as running or sports which require multi-directional change and jumping.

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Your Podiatrist will carry out several functional assessments to determine the cause of your pain and rule out other potential injuries. Treatment may involve a tailored foot, ankle and lower leg muscle rehabilitation program, orthoses, footwear changes or dry needling. Call today to start your recovery.