MTSS develops as a result of irritation to the tendons that support the shin bone. It can be caused by running or jumping on a slanted surface or when participating in sports that require repetitive, intense activity. Symptoms include pain in the inner shin bone that worsens with activity and usually disappears during rest.
Causes
MTSS is caused by irritation to the muscles, tendons and tissue around your shin bone (tibia). It usually develops when you exercise repetitively. Runners, dancers and military recruits are at highest risk of developing this overuse injury. Left untreated, shin splints can lead to a more serious injury such as a stress fracture of the bones in your lower leg.
Pain that occurs along the inner shin bone during activity is the most common symptom of shin splints. The pain can range from a dull ache to sharp discomfort. It typically begins at the start of a workout, gets worse throughout the activity, and continues after the activity is over. Depending on the severity, you may even experience pain all day long, regardless of activity.
There are several causes of shin splints, including improper footwear, changes in training intensity, duration and surface, biomechanical issues such as flat feet, or tight and weak calf muscles that lack the ability to absorb impact forces on the shin bone. Symptoms of shin splints can be managed conservatively with rest, ice, physical therapy and specific exercises. Increasing your vitamin D intake and implementing calf stretching may also aid in the prevention of this injury. By thoroughly understanding medial tibial stress syndrome, recognizing its symptoms, and incorporating effective treatments and exercises, you can recover faster and significantly reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
Symptoms
When MTSS is not addressed, the pain can worsen, resulting in more severe injury such as a stress fracture of the shin bone. Therefore, if your child has leg pain, they should see their doctor for a diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms of MTSS include pain along the inside of the shin bone (tibia). The pain can range from a dull ache to sharp, intense pain. Typically, the pain is present at the beginning of activity and subsides with continued exercise. However, in more advanced cases of shin splints, the pain can persist throughout the workout and may even occur at rest.
The most reliable way to diagnose shin splints is through history and physical examination of the lower leg. X-rays are generally normal in MTSS, but your doctor will request imaging if they are uncertain of the underlying cause of your child’s leg pain or if they are concerned about a possible stress fracture.
Treatment for shin splints includes a period of relative rest from high-impact activities to allow the inflammation to resolve. Ice packs applied to the affected leg for 15-20 minutes several times a day can reduce inflammation and pain. Other treatment options include calf stretching and strengthening exercises, and shoe inserts that redistribute pressure during activity. Changing running surfaces to softer ones can also decrease stress on the legs.
Diagnosis
Medial tibial stress syndrome (also known as shin splints) occurs when the tendons around the tibia bone become inflamed. It happens when you repeatedly use the lower leg muscles in activities such as running and jumping. It is especially common in runners, jumpers and people with flat feet (overpronators).
Pain usually develops over the inner tibia, or the front part of the lower leg. The pain may feel tender to the touch and get worse with exercise. You may also notice swelling in the area. Symptoms can take several weeks to go away, but ignoring them can lead to more serious problems such as a stress fracture of the tibia.
A doctor can diagnose shin splints by reviewing your medical history and doing a physical examination of the lower leg. X-rays typically appear normal. If your doctor is unsure, he or she might order an MRI or nuclear bone scan.
An MRI can help determine whether the problem is a strain of the tibia or a separate condition called tendinitis. Tendinitis causes similar symptoms and is usually diagnosed by examining the affected tendons. A doctor can also test for chronic exertional compartment syndrome, which is a rare condition that causes pain in the legs that gets worse when you exercise and goes away shortly after you stop exercising.
Treatment
Often referred to as shin splints, medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) is pain along the inner edge of the tibia or shin bone in the lower leg. It is caused by repetitive weight-bearing activity, such as running or jumping, which causes inflammation in the tendons and bone tissue of the lower leg. The condition is commonly found in runners, dancers and military trainees. The pain usually occurs at the beginning of exercise and then subsides during workouts, but can return within minutes of stopping activity.
The symptoms of shin splints are similar to those of other conditions, so it’s important for athletes to seek prompt treatment for the injury to avoid worsening discomfort and more serious complications. MTSS may progress to a tibial stress fracture, if the stress on the bones is continued for long periods of time.
A physician can diagnose the condition based on a history of activity and physical exam of the lower leg. X-rays are generally normal in people with shin splints, but an MRI or bone scan might be needed if a diagnosis is unclear. Conservative treatments like rest, ice and compression wraps can reduce swelling. Incorporating calf stretches, proper footwear and custom orthotics to address biomechanical issues in the foot, ankle or calves can also help reduce pain and prevent recurrence of the condition.