Shin Splints – Why do my shins hurt when I run?

 in Uncategorized  tagged Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS) / Shin Pain by

Shin Splints, Shin pain, Shin splits and osteo, shin splits and osteopathy, Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome, Shins, Shin Splints and exercise

Shin Splints

My shins hurt when I run. Is it Shin Splints? 

Valued Health Osteopathy

3/658 Centre Rd, Bentleigh East, 3165

Shin pain is a problem that many runners face in their time of running. Pain down the front of the shins is commonly known as shin splints, although this is just an umbrella term used to describe any type of pain around the shins. One of the most common forms of shin splints is a condition more formally known as Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS).

MTSS is defined as “exercise-induced pain along the posterior medial tibial border, and recognisable pain is provoked on palpation of the posterior medial border over a length of ≥5 consecutive centimetres” (1).

MTSS is a condition which can cause pain along the front and inside portion of the shin bone and is typically associated with exercise that involves running and/or jumping although. There is still a lack of clarity as to what the actual root pathophysiological cause of MTSS is, as to whether it is a bone overloading injury or a fasciopathy type injury (1). MTSS is a common condition faced by runners with an incidence of 9.4% and prevalence of 9.1% (1).

Shin splints can be caused by many different factors. Some of the most common causes of MTSS are:

From inappropriate running load and volume, and inadequate lower limb muscular strength and endurance. When runners either increase their running volume or their running load/intensity at too great a rate, then the tissues in the lower leg are not given enough time to adapt to the increased workload, putting stress on the tissues. In runners with MTSS, it is common to find muscular strength and endurance imbalances between each leg. On the affected leg, the ankle plantar flexor muscles can be found to have 56% less endurance capacity, Tibialias Anterior can be 20% weaker, the Peroneal muscles can be 17% weaker, Soleus can be 12% weaker and Flexor Hallicus Longus can be 25% weaker than the non-affected leg. There are other factors that are also be considered when evaluating and managing MTSS in addition to load and muscle imbalances (2).

Risk Factors for MTSS

• Increased Body Mass Index (BMI)

• Increased exercise load

• Inappropriate footwear

• Muscular weakness of the foot and leg

• Female

What does MTSS feel like?

MTSS typically presents with soreness and tenderness, particularly to touch, along the front and inside aspect of the shin bone and is most noticeable after running. This can occur for several months and without appropriate treatment and management can get worse over time, which in some cases can lead to tibial stress fractures.

What does management of MTSS look like?

MTSS is condition that can take an extended period of time to fully resolve, with full resolution possibly taking several months. The chance of relapsing is increased if appropriate load management is not appropriate or optimal. Despite the lack of clarity as to whether MTSS is a bone overloading injury or a fasciopathy, load management is effective at managing both pathophysiology’s (1).

Appropriate management involves but is not limited to.

• Addressing muscle weaknesses by applying appropriate muscular strength and endurance training.

• Appropriate load management of running and other exercise.

• Exercise modification.

• Addressing running technique errors.

• Addressing inappropriate running shoes.

Suffering from Shin splints? We may be able to help. Speak to one of our Osteopaths at Valued Health Osteopathy in Bentleigh East about your treatment and rehabilitation options. Call or book online today.

Make an appointment today – Book online!

(03) 9570 9061

valuedhealth.com.au

Shin pain, Shin splints, Osteopath Bentleigh, Osteopath Bentleigh East, Shin pain and Osteopathy

You do not need a referral to see one of our friendly Osteopaths at Valued Health Osteopathy. We have a very good relationship with many surrounding doctors, other health practitioners and personal trainers in the local community of Bentleigh East , Bentleigh, Ormond, McKinnon, Oakleigh, Carnegie, Caulfield, Moorabbin, Murrumbeena, Brighton, Clayton and Clarinda.

Valued Health Osteopathy is a trusted provider of Osteopathy, Pelvic Health, Infants & Children, Clinical Pilates, Exercise Rehabilitation and Strength & Conditioning. Valued Health Osteopathy is open 6 days a week with early morning and evening appointments.

Valued Health Osteopathy is located at 3/658 Centre Road, Bentleigh East, Melbourne, Victoria, 3165.

Valued Health Osteopathy | Osteopathy Australia

Osteopath Bentleigh East, Osteopath Bentleigh, Osteopath Ormond, Osteopath McKinnon, Osteopath Moorabbin, Osteopath Murrumbeena, Osteopath Oakleigh, Osteopath Carnegie, Osteopath Caulfield, Osteopath Clayton, Osteopath Brighton and Osteopath Cheltenham, Osteopath Dingley, Osteopath Beaumaris, Osteopath Melbourne.
References:
  1. Winters, M. The diagnosis and management of medial tibial stress syndrome.Unfallchirurg 123 (Suppl 1), 15–19 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00113-019-0667-z
  2. Mattock, J., Steele, J.R. & Mickle, K.J. Lower leg muscle structure and function are altered in long-distance runners with medial tibial stress syndrome: a case control study.J Foot Ankle Res 14, 47 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13047-021-00485-5
  3. Newman P, Witchalls J, Waddington G, Adams R. Risk factors associated with medial tibial stress syndrome in runners: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Open Access J Sports Med. 2013 Nov 13;4:229-41. doi: 10.2147/OAJSM.S39331.
Share

About Tom McCormick

Dr. Tom McCormick (Osteopath) is the Director and Principal Osteopath at Valued Health Osteopathy in Bentleigh East. Tom is a qualified Osteopath and Dry needling practitioner and is also a Level 1 Strength and Conditioning Coach. Tom has also completed further studies in optimal movement patterns with the FMS (Functional Movement Systems).Tom believes it is important to address the immediate issues causing pain, however feels it is equally important to improve his patient’s ongoing movement, tissue quality, muscle activation and muscle strength in order to optimize injury recovery and reduce the chance of re-aggravation. Since Tom graduated as an Osteopath he has had the opportunity to work both in Queensland and Victoria within private practice and has worked closely with sporting teams. Tom has suffered many injuries and complaints over the years due to his heavy interest in sport. From broken bones, torn cartilage, tendon and muscle injuries to even a double hernia repair, this is ultimately what led Tom into the health field. Tom has a hands on approach to healthcare by utilizing a broad range of techniques that are tailored specifically to each patient. Such techniques include mobilization, soft tissue massage, stretching, trigger point therapy, dry needling and exercise rehabilitation. Although Tom enjoys treating athletes, he also thrives on the sense of enjoyment that comes with helping his patients of all ages with many other injuries. Tom also has experience in treating headaches, back and neck pain, hip, knee and ankle injuries and shoulder and elbow pain. Here at Valued Health Osteopathy Tom will use his Osteopathic experience, coupled with his further training to assess, diagnose, rehabilitate and treat in order to get you moving better with less pain. Outside of work Tom loves to travel, watch plenty of sport, exercise and loves a good coffee.