Shin Splints

"Shin splints" is a common complaint, especially for walkers and runners. In the past, this term has been used to describe any pain occurring in the front part of the lower leg. This is misleading, however, because lower leg pain can result from several different medical conditions involving both bone and soft tissue.

While anterior (front) leg pain can be caused by stress fractures of the tibia and compartment syndromes, the most common causes are delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and overuse injuries. Muscle soreness can occur when any new activity is performed. Leg pain that occurs during the first few days after starting a walking or running program, is probably DOMS. The soreness is uncomfortable, but you can continue to exercise (progress very slowly). Sometimes ibuprofen can help. If you do not overload the muscles, DOMS usually goes away in 4-7 days.

Overtraining can lead to an injury involving the soft tissue at the interface between the bone (tibia) and origin of the muscle. The excessive loading and repetitive stress of running or fast walking causes micro tears of the muscle or microtrauma to the bone. Other factors involved in this type of injury include: an imbalance between the front and back muscles of the lower leg, tight calf muscles, running on concrete,and improper or worn out footwear.

Self-care guidelines:

• decrease training immediately
• maintain fitness with nonweight-bearing exercises
• start stretching and muscle strengthening programs
• ice the legs after exercise and replace worn out or improper shoes

If symptoms persist, seek medical treatment. Once pain has stopped, gradually increase distance, but stop short of provoking the pain again.

While "shin splints" may be an outmoded term, the discomfort is still real.