Symptoms & Treatment Shin Splints

SHIN SPLINTS

ANATOMY
The tibialis anterior (front) is a muscle that spans the length of the tibia (lower leg). It originates in the upper two-thirds of the lateral (outside) surface of the tibia and inserts into the medial cuneiform and first metatarsal bones of the foot. Its acts to dorsiflex and invert the foot.

MECHANISM OF INJURY
‘Shin splints’ is an umbrella term, used to describe pain in the shin. It may be caused by three different mechanisms:

Stress reaction in the tibia bone itself. May be due to increased training on hard surfaces.
Anterior compartment syndrome or increased pressure within the fascial sheath of the anterior lower leg.
Inflammation of the tendon attachments to the tibia bone.

SYMPTOMS

There is vertical tenderness over the distal inside aspect of the tibia, which can be intense. It can be local but also spreads diffusely longitudinally.
The tenderness is usually pronounced over the lower half of the bone.
A certain degree of swelling can be felt and seen.
The pain ceases at rest but returns on renewed activity.
Pain is triggered when the toes or ankle joint are bent in plantar flexion.
Local tenderness occurs usually in the lower half of the tibia.

TREATMENT
Please consult with your medical professional for a complete diagnosis and treatment plan.

Under the direction of your medical professional and in conjunction with your advised treatment plan, the following products may be beneficial:

8*107 Calf/Shin Black

8*207 Calf/Shin Beige

Glossary of Terms
MEDIAL CUNEIFORM: There are three cuneiform bones in the human foot, one of which is the medial cuneiform and it is the largest. It is situated at the medial (inside) side of the foot, anterior (front) to the navicular and posterior (rear) to the base of the first metatarsal.

METATARSAL: Any bone of the foot between the ankle and the toes

DORSIFLEX: Flexion toward the back

ANTERIOR: Front Aspect

PLANTAR FLEXION: Movement of the foot that flexes the foot or toes downward toward the sole