PURE PERFORMANCE | PODIATRY
Shin splints .
It is a term that strikes fear in the minds of runners globally . A recent report of running related injuries found shin splints to be the most common pathology in runners , affecting almost 13-20 % of the running population throughout their careers .
Shin splints is a well reported injury that dates back through many years of injury prevention literature . The above statistic suggests however , that even as our knowledge around injury prevention increases , shin pain and running can often be synonymous with one another .
Most runners and athletes have experienced pain through the front of their shin at some point , with little understanding of the actual mechanism of the injury and why it may continue to occur .
Shin splints is an umbrella term that may describe a number of pathologies affecting the front and inner aspect of the shin . The most common cause of shin pain is medial tibial stress syndrome ( MTSS ); a scientific term that describes an inflammation between the medial aspect of the tibia and the muscles that act along it .
MTSS is a stress related overuse injury ; that is an injury that develops when the body is pushed above its threshold and begins to breakdown . It often occurs when an athlete rapidly increases their training load after a period of inactivity .
There are both internal and external risk factors for any injury . The biggest risk factor for MTSS is previous injury to the same tissue without adequate rehabilitation or treatment . Previous injury to a tissue reduces the elasticity of the fibres and in turn alters their ability to “ return ” to normal . Too often , MTSS recurs as the causative factors contributing to the injury are not appropriately addressed . External contributing factors may include :
• The shoes you are using ( old , flat and / or inappropriate )
• Repetitive training loads
• Inefficiencies in foot function
• Inefficiencies in running technique
• Running on consistent harsh and unforgiving surfaces ( mix up your surfaces and terrain !)
• The day-to-day shoes you wear The most commonly described pattern of MTSS is pain that worsens with activity . The pain may continue after you stop running and is usually worsened with direct pressure on the inside of the shin . Too often , recommendations for treatment are broad and not specific to the individual . Unless individualised , appropriate treatment or modification of training load occurs , the pain will continue to deteriorate and a period of time on the sideline will beckon .
If you are suffering with MTSS or consistently experiencing pain at the front of your shins , it is time to invest in your health and seek a tailored rehabilitation plan . A period of rest is not always the answer ; often symptom management can be achieved with a few modifications to training loads and addressing the external contributing factors . Don ’ t settle for time away from your sport for any longer .
SUFFERING FROM SHIN PAIN ? WE CAN HELP YOU !
3D Running Assessments Footwear advice Plantar pressure assessment High speed video Concise management plan
PHONE | 1300 855 189 www . profeetpodiatry . com . au
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