Shin Assessment

Seen in up to 20% of runners, shin splints are generally understood to be the result of muscle overuse, which pulls on the bone (periosteal sleeve), causing an irritation on the tibia.

• Often bilateral, there is an area (> 5cm) on the lower tibia that is sore
• Pain is worse in the morning 
• Palpation (touch) tenderness on front/outside shin (anterior tibialis) or inside/back shin (soleus), especially after activity
• Pain starts in the beginning of the workout, gets better, and returns after
• Feels tight or swollen in the front part of the lower leg
• Pain with lifting toes up when walking (ankle dorsiflexion) and/or resisted dorsiflexion (for the anterior tibialis) or when standing on toes (soleus)

Though the two conditions share some symptoms, a stress fracture is an incomplete break in the bone from overuse. It is not uncommon for a shin splint, if untreated, to lead to a tibial stress fracture. Here are some common symptoms:

• Often bilateral, there is an area (< 5cm) on the lower tibia that is sore
• Pain is better in the morning after rest
• More localized, sharp pain, especially palpating (touching) the bone
• NOTE: If you suspect a stress fracture or have nerve related pain (numbness, tingling), please consult your physical therapist or physician for further evaluation.

• Also known as Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome, pain usually involves the front muscle group (e.g. anterior tibialis), which helps lift your foot as you run/walk, or the interior/inside muscle group (e.g. soleus)
• Main reason for shin splints is an overuse condition of the muscles, causing irritation where the muscle attaches to the bone (tibia)