Shin Splints/Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome
Shin splints.
You know the drill: that sharp, stabbing pain in your shins that just won’t quit, no matter how much you ice it, rest it, or stretch it. If you’re a runner, chances are you’ve dealt with this pesky injury at some point or another.
Shin splints are one of the most common leg injuries, particularly among runners, and can sideline even the most experienced athletes for weeks at a time.
So what exactly are shin splints, and how can you prevent them? Shin splints are caused by repetitive stress on the tibia (shinbone), which can occur when running on hard surfaces, wearing improperly fitting shoes, or overtraining. Symptoms include pain and tenderness along the shin, swelling, and stiffness.
The good news is that shin splints are usually easy to treat with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medications. If this doesn’t work then other treatment options can be considered like orthotics and shockwave treatment.
Check out this citation which examines the use of shockwave in cadet runners. After four weeks from the initial treatment, the cadet’s that received shockwave were able to run longer and with less pain.