This past week we examined two local cross country runners back to back with shin splints. We are treating more athletes and are witnessing more and more complex problems and are seeing the athlete go from one injury to another, many of which are caused by overuse or starting out too fast.

One of the most common injuries is shin splints, especially among beginner athletes. The term shin splint is commonly used to describe pain in the lower leg. The most common sports associated with shin splints are those that involve running, an increase in jumping or a change to a hard playing surface such as what's required in football, soccer or aerobic dance.

The condition, however, can occur in any sport and is most commonly found in the unconditioned, untrained athlete. These are two types of shin splints named for the anatornical location of the pain. The anterior shin splint is found in the front portion of the shinbone, or tibia. The posterior shin splint pain is found on the inside section of the leg along the tibia.


With the increase pounding on the arch and constant pull on the muscle, the muscle is stretched and even torn away from the bone. The result is pain and inflammation, or worse -- a tibial stress fracture. Trying to tell the difference between shin splints and a stress fracture of the shin is difficult for the average physician and nearly impossible for the layman.


Treatment of shin splints involves cause-and-effect, primarily pronation of the foot or the leg. If you are pronating excessively, orthotic devices may be helpful.
