SHIN SPLINTS

The term "Shin splints" is commonly used to refer to any anterior or medial pain in the lower leg. More precisely, however, the AMA subcommittee on classification of sports injuries states that clinicians should limit the term "shin splints" to "musculotendinous inflammations and exclude fractures and schemic disorders" (3:102). Pain from stress fractures usually occurs approximately midway down the front part of the lower leg (tibia). Pain from shin splints or, more properly, Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS), usually occurs on the lower third (the lower "distal") of the lower leg and is usually the result of tendonitis or muscle inflammation rather than damage to the tibia itself.

MTSS pain can be quite severe and often reoccurs, even after treatment. It usually manifests during or after leg-stressing activities such as running or jumping. Medical practitioners thus classify MTSS as an overuse injury. Overuse can result not only from excessive activity, but from weak muscles, inadequate or worn footwear, hard terrain, fallen arches, flat feet or overpronation (turned-i

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ner should be aware of various physical characteristics that might contribute to the condition. These characteristics include age, gender, body build, foot alignment, training habits, distance, speed, form, stretching, running environment, terrain, weather, and type of shoe. Palpation of the affected area usually reveals tenderness though not usually noticeable swelling. Distinguishing between pain in the surrounding soft tissue (indicative of MTSS) and pain on the tibia itself (indicative of a stress fracture) is important for proper diagnosis and treatment. Medical professionals often have difficulty differentiating between MTSS and stress fractures when diagnosing a patient complaining of pain in his lower leg. Even the patient can have difficulty localizing the pain sufficiently to facilitate a proper diagnosis. This may prompt the attending medical professional to do a more detailed diagnostic work-up. X-rays may sometimes be necessary, particularly when symptoms persist despite conservative treatment. However, some tibial stress fractures escape detection on x-rays. Gerow, et al. offer a simple but specific diagnostic criteria for shin splints which can help differentiate it from stress fracture: MTSS involves pa
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Approximate Word count = 1379
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page)

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