3 Early Symptoms Of Shin Splints And What To Do About Them

Shin Splints: Only A Runner’s Issue?

Runners often hear about the dreaded lower leg pain, commonly referred to as shin splints. The pain typically is concentrated between the knee and the ankle. A healthcare provider may refer to shin splints as medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS). While people who engage in high-intensity physical activity are more likely to develop shin splints, the condition can occur in anyone. Shin splints are a stress disorder, meaning the symptoms develop after repeated stress on the bones and joints. Know these 3 early symptoms and what to do to decrease the pain.

1. Pain during exercise

When a person is developing shin splints, typically, the pain will worsen with exercise. The pain can be a dull ache in the front part of the leg or can occur on either side of the shin bone. People may also notice slight swelling in the lower part of the leg.

2. Inner leg pain

One of the lesser-known signs is pain along the inner side of the leg. This can feel like muscle soreness or can manifest as tenderness on the inner part of the leg. Typically, this discomfort is concentrated in the lower part of the leg below the knee.

3. Weak or numb feet

If shin splints worsen, people may start to experience numbness or weakness in the feet. Some signs that the condition is progressing include shins feeling hot, visible swelling, or pain even when resting. These symptoms indicate that a person should see a healthcare provider right away.

Risk factors

People with flat feet, athletes, and women are all more likely to develop shin splints. The injury is also more likely to occur when exercising on tired muscles. Additional risk factors include:

• Muscle weakness
• Lack of flexibility
• Running on slanted surfaces or downhill
• Improper training
• Using worn-out shoes for exercising

Treating shin splints

When people are diagnosed with shin splints, the first step is to stop activity for a period to let the legs rest. Typically, people can experience relief after about 2 weeks. Additionally, doctors usually suggest keeping the legs elevated, using cold compresses to reduce swelling, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers. People may also benefit from using a foam roller to massage the shins and reduce swelling.

Do I need surgery?

Surgery is usually not required to treat shin splints. However, if symptoms are worsening after several months, a doctor may recommend a procedure called a fasciotomy. During the operation, the surgeon makes small cuts in the fascia tissue around the calf muscles to relieve pain. For more information about treatment for shin splints, speak with a healthcare provider.