Definition: Inflammation of the muscle attachments and interosseous  membranes to the tibia (shin bone) on the inside of the front of the lower leg. Note: "shin splints" is a very widely used phrase and can refer to several lower leg injuries. The focus of this description is specifically on the inflammation described above.

Shin Splint Symptoms:

• Pain or tenderness along the inside of the shin. This may sometimes extend all the way to the knee
• Tingling in the foot, which indicates a compression of the nerve
• Pain worsens steadily during exercise instead of improving as the ligaments and muscles warm

Shin Splint Causes:

Shin Splints are caused from inflammation from an injury to the tendon (posterior peroneal tendon) and adjacent tissues in the front of the outer leg. They occur most commonly in runners or aggressive walkers.

Medical Treatment

• See Dr. Caldwell for custom-made orthotics to control overpronation
• Physical therapy, if injury doesn't respond to self-treatment in 2 to 3 weeks
• If injury does not respond to physiotherapy treatment, a bone scan, diagnostic ultrasound or X-ray may be necessary to check for a stress fracture.