What are shin splints?

Shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), refer to pain along the inner edge of the shinbone. This usually happens to athletic people like dancers, tennis players, runners, etc. The pain results from inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue around the tibia. This comes with causes like overuse, improper footwear, improper training techniques, and etc. 

Prevention

To prevent shin splints, consider the following tips:

●     Wear appropriate footwear with good support.

●     Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your activities.

●     Incorporate strength training and flexibility exercises into your routine.

●     Avoid running on hard surfaces.

●     Ensure proper running form and technique.

If you experience persistent or severe pain, it's advisable to seek medical attention for a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan.

How are shin splints diagnosed?

Shin splints are typically diagnosed through a combination of a physical examination and a review of the patient's medical history. Here's a detailed look at the diagnostic process:

Medical History

Some question that are asked are:

●     The nature and duration of the pain.

●     The patient's exercise habits, including any recent changes in activity level or intensity.

●     The type of footwear used during exercise.

●     Any previous injuries or conditions affecting the legs.

Physical Examination

During the physical exam, the doctor will:

●     Examine the affected leg for tenderness along the inner edge of the shinbone.

●     Check for swelling or redness in the area.

●     Assess the range of motion and strength of the muscles in the lower leg.

●     Evaluate the patient's gait and running technique.

Differential Diagnosis

It's important to differentiate shin splints from other conditions that cause similar symptoms. These can include:

●     Stress Fractures: Small cracks in the bone due to overuse.

●     Compartment Syndrome: Increased pressure within the muscles that can restrict blood flow and cause pain.

●     Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons.

●     Muscle Strains: Overstretching or tearing of muscles.

What are the symptoms of shin splints?

The symptoms of shin splints primarily involve pain along the inner edge of the shinbone (tibia). Here are the key symptoms to watch for:

Pain

●     Location: Pain is typically felt along the inner part of the lower leg, especially where the muscle attaches to the shinbone.

●     Nature: The pain can be sharp or dull and throbbing.

●     Onset: Pain often starts during or after exercise, particularly activities involving running or jumping.

Tenderness

●     Sensitivity: The area along the inner shin may be tender to the touch.

●     Swelling: Mild swelling can occur in the lower leg.

Activity-Related Symptoms

●     Early Stages: Initially, pain may only occur during physical activity and subside with rest.

●     Progression: As the condition worsens, pain can persist even after stopping exercise and may be present during daily activities.

Other Symptoms

●     Muscle Weakness: Some individuals may experience weakness in the lower leg muscles.

●     Stiffness: There can be stiffness in the lower leg, particularly after periods of rest.

●     Discomfort: Discomfort can occur when flexing or extending the ankle.

It's important to note that shin splints can sometimes be confused with other conditions, such as stress fractures or compartment syndrome. If you experience persistent pain or symptoms that don't improve with rest, it's advisable to seek medical attention for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

What are the normal treatments for shin splints?

The treatment for shin splints typically involves a combination of rest, self-care measures, and gradual return to activity. Here are the standard treatments:

Rest

●     Avoid Activities That Cause Pain: Stop or reduce activities that exacerbate the pain, such as running or jumping, to allow the shin to heal.

Ice

●     Ice Packs: Apply ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day to reduce pain and swelling. Be sure to place a cloth or towel between the ice pack and your skin to prevent frostbite.

Compression

●     Compression Bandages: Use elastic compression bandages or sleeves to help reduce swelling.

Elevation

●     Elevate the Leg: Keep the leg elevated above heart level when possible to reduce swelling.

Pain Relief

●     Over-the-Counter Medications: Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) to reduce pain and inflammation.

Footwear

●     Proper Shoes: Wear shoes with good support and cushioning. Consider getting a gait analysis and purchasing running shoes suited to your specific foot type.

●     Replace Worn-Out Shoes: Replace athletic shoes regularly to ensure they provide adequate support and cushioning.

Orthotics

●     Arch Supports or Insoles: Use over-the-counter or custom-made orthotic inserts to support the arch and reduce stress on the shinbone.

Gradual Return to Activity

●     Ease Back Into Exercise: Once pain has subsided, gradually increase the intensity and duration of your activities. Avoid high-impact activities until you're fully recovered.

●     Cross-Training: Engage in low-impact activities such as swimming or cycling to maintain fitness without putting additional stress on the shins.

Strengthening and Stretching

●     Exercises: Perform exercises to strengthen the muscles around the shin and improve flexibility. Focus on the calf muscles, ankle, and foot muscles.

●     Stretching: Regularly stretch the muscles in your lower legs to prevent tightness and improve flexibility.

Physical Therapy

●     Guided Exercises: A physical therapist can design a specific exercise program to strengthen and stretch the affected muscles and tendons.

●     Technique Correction: A therapist can also help correct any biomechanical issues or running form that might contribute to shin splints.

Prevention Strategies

●     Warm-Up and Cool-Down: Always include a proper warm-up before exercise and a cool-down period afterward.

●     Avoid Overtraining: Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your training to avoid sudden increases in activity.

●     Surface Variation: Avoid running on hard surfaces and try to run on softer surfaces like grass or dirt trails.

If symptoms persist despite these treatments, or if the pain is severe, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and management.

How can acupuncture help patients that have shin splints?

Acupuncture can be a treatment for patients with shin splints, offering potential benefits in several ways:

Pain Relief

●     Endorphin Release: Acupuncture can stimulate the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, which can help reduce pain associated with shin splints.

●     Nerve Modulation: It may modulate the nervous system, reducing pain perception.

Reducing Inflammation

●     Anti-inflammatory Effects: Acupuncture can help reduce inflammation in the affected area by improving blood circulation and promoting the body's natural healing processes.

Muscle Relaxation

●     Relaxation of Tense Muscles: Acupuncture can help relax tight and overworked muscles in the lower leg, relieving stress on the shinbone.

●     Trigger Point Therapy: It can target specific trigger points that are causing muscle tension and pain.

Improving Blood Flow

●     Enhanced Circulation: Acupuncture can increase blood flow to the affected area, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and promoting healing.

Balancing the Body

●     Holistic Approach: Acupuncture takes a holistic approach to health, aiming to balance the body's energy (Qi) and address underlying issues that may contribute to shin splints.

Personalized Treatment

●     Customized Care: Acupuncturists tailor treatments to the individual, considering the specific nature of the injury, overall health, and lifestyle of the patient.

How Acupuncture is Performed for Shin Splints

●     Assessment: The acupuncturist will conduct a thorough assessment to understand the patient's symptoms and overall health.

●     Needle Insertion: Fine needles are inserted into specific acupuncture points on the body, which may include points near the shin and other related areas.

●     Duration: Needles are typically left in place for 20-30 minutes.

●     Frequency: Treatment frequency can vary, but sessions are often scheduled weekly.

Complementary Techniques

Acupuncturists may also use other techniques to enhance treatment, such as:

●     Moxibustion: Burning a herb called mugwort near the skin to warm the area and promote healing.

●     Cupping: Using suction cups to improve blood flow and reduce muscle tension.

●     Electroacupuncture: Applying a mild electric current to the needles to enhance the therapeutic effect.

Considerations

●     Consult a Professional: Always consult a licensed and experienced acupuncturist.

●     Integrate with Other Treatments: Acupuncture is often used in conjunction with other treatments like rest, ice, and physical therapy.

If shin splints are lasting for a longer time, it is best to see a good acupuncturist to relax it.