Do you think you have Shin Splints?
Read on....

Here is some of the iformation and research on shin splints.

There has been an abundance of research conducted in the last decade on the benefits of physical activities and our health. Many people are taking this information and running with it, literally.

It has been estimated that there are currently some thirty million recreational runners or "joggers" in North America. The benefits of running, as with all exercises, are numerous; i.e. decreases heart rate, cholesterol, blood pressure, weight and increases metabolism, muscle strength, endurance and flexibility, increases our natural pain killers and increases our joint range of motion, to name but only a few.

However, with benefits also come risks. The risks are usually injuries to the musculoskeletal system.

Injuries can be classified into two different types:

1. Intrinsic
2. Extrinsic

The majority of intrinsic injuries are "overuse syndromes" and are to a large extent preventable. Shin splints are an intrinsic type of injury.

Shin splints are really a periostitis (tearing of the lining of the bone away from the bone). Shin splints can be classified as medial (inside and back of lower leg) or lateral (front and outside of lower leg) compartment. Which of these you develop depends on where the periosteum (lining of bone) is being torn away from the tibia (shin bone), and by which muscle in the leg.

The tibialis posterior muscle runs down the inside of the lower leg from the tibia to the bottom of the foot. Its tendon attaches at the bottom of the foot to the base of the first four metatarsal bones (ball of foot).

This muscle is a major antipronator (a muscle that prevents over flattening of the arch). The tibialis posterior muscle can become overworked in a person who is already showing huge signs of over pronating who decides to engage in exercises such as running, basketball, volleyball or high impact aerobics. These activities will place undue stress on the legs and feet.

When the tibialis posterior muscle is overused, it becomes tight. Its tendon is then forced to stretch abnormally to keep it from tearing.

Since a muscle's attachment to its tendon is much stronger than the tendon's attachment to the bone, the tendon will actually start pulling away from the bone, creating the periostitis, or shin splints.

If shin splints are left untreated or not treated properly the tendon may rupture leaving the patient literally walking on the inside of their foot (because of the excessive, violent overpronation). In this case, surgical reattachment of the tendon or fusion of the ankle joint may be necessary.

The second type of shin splint is the lateral (front of leg) compartment or the tibilalis anterior muscle. This muscle runs down the front of the lower leg from the tibia and attaches to the inside top part of the first metatarsal bone.

This muscle too is a huge preventor of overpronation. Unlike the tibialis posterior muscle, the tibialis anterior muscle shin splints are rarely caused by a foot problem. It is usually caused by an overworked muscle.

Treatment of Shin Splints

Doing an analysis of a patients gait using a computerized/digitalized system such as the "Footmaxx System", can reveal significant problems with a patients walk. Introducing a foot orthotic to correct the abnormal pronation is vital.

Shin splints may also require further treatment to relieve the symptoms of inflammation. Rest from the irritating stimulus, ice and ultrasound or laser therapy will usually relieve those symptoms.

Chiropractic manipulation of the joints of the foot is highly beneficial in restoring proper joint motion, reducing inflammation and muscle spasm. Finding a Doctor of Chiropractic well trained in lower extremity dysfunction like Dr. Moore can help you return to your sport of choice or activities of daily living much quicker and without pain.

Remember, let pain be your guide. The "no pain, no gain" notion is absurd.

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