Medial Tibial Stress Syndome
Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome is commonly known as “Shin Splints” and refers to pain along the front of the shin. This condition is most common in runners, basketball players, soccer players, and dancers. While MTSS itself is fairly benign, training through prolonged symptoms can lead to stress fractures.
Repetitive or increased stress placed on the muscles and connective tissue as they attach to your shin.
– Ankle/calf stiffness.Â
– Foot structure (flat feet or high arches).
– Training errors.
– Flat feet/high arches.
– Hip stiffness/weakness.Â
– Improper running mechanics.
– Pain in along the front of the lower leg.
– Mild swelling in the lower leg.
– Increased pain with running/jumping.
At Home Diagnostic Tests
– Palpate medial tibial boarder (front of the shin bone).
At Home Care
– Avoid irritating activity.Â
– Aggressive calf foam rolling and stretching.
When to Seek Help
If not treated early and effectively, shin splints can become a debilitating and difficult to resolve condition – or worse, cause a stress fracture. If your shin splints are preventing you from fully participating in your sport, or they have lasted longer than 1 week, see a physical therapist.