Causes and risk factors
Stress or overworking, physical activity of the lower leg muscles of the lower leg muscles is one of the main causes of shin splints. Muscle, tendons, bone tissue around the tibia gets inflamed due to physical overstress. Hence athletes, runners, aerobic dancers are more prone for shin splints. Sudden changes in exercises activity like increasing the frequency and intensity of exercise, use of improper or worn out shoes for workouts or during sports and flat foot are some of the contributing factors.
Clinical presentation:
The patient comes up with complaints of pain in the lower leg, along the inner border of the tibia with swelling and or soreness. The pain may be sharp intense in acute stage or dull aching over a period of time. The complaints are aggravated during or after exercises. Tenderness on touching is present.
Investigations:
Diagnosis is done of the basis of the symptoms narrated by the patient and the physical examination carried out by the orthopedic an. X ray of the leg, MRI and CT scan can be advised to rule out other causes.
Treatment:
Rest, application of ice and stretching exercises and flexibility exercises are the simple measures that can resolve the complaints of shin splint. Pain relieving medications can be advised. Wearing shoes with good cushions during exercises and use of elastic compression bandages are found to be effective. In very rare cases surgical intervention is needed but the efficacy is still not clear.
Other Modes of treatment:
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up the symptom. Taking into consideration the symptoms in holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms. The Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbs and synthetic derivates can also be beneficial in combating the complaints. Acupuncture which is the science of insertion of fine needles on the certain stimulating spots on the body has proved to be effective. Certain yoga exercises can also be helpful in relieving the pain and strengthening the muscles.
