• Excessive activity over a short period of time in an unconditioned athlete
• Postural foot problems such as low arch feet or high arch feet
• Tight muscles, particularly in the calf muscles

SYMPTOMS:

• Pain along the shin bone at the beginning of an exercise or athletic activity that is moderate and then loosens within a few minutes
• Pain may reappear in the midst of or at the end of the exercise or athletic activity

SIGNS:

• Mild to moderate tenderness to touch the shin bone over a one or two inch area
• No swelling is usually present
• If swelling is present, combined with moderately severe to severe tenderness, a stress fracture may be present- this happens frequently if shin splints are not promptly or adequately treated

TREATMENT:

• Shin Splint compression sleeve to help reduce inflammation and support the muscle to bone interface
• Custom molded prescription orthotics (shoe insert) to support any foot or leg postural malalignment
• Physical therapy modalities to help reduce the deep inflammation at the muscle to bone interface
• Oral anti-inflammatory medications to help reduce discomfort
• Stretching of tight muscles to reduce overstrain on the muscle-bone interface
• Night splint to reduce muscle tightness and low grade spasm of tight muscles while sleeping
• Occasionally, immobilization in a walking boot or walking cast may be necessary to rest the area