A shin splint is pain that you feel in the frontal area of your lower legs. Most athletes are at risk, including gymnasts. In 2008, gymnast Shawn Johnson was plagued by shin splints. If she would have left the injury untreated, she could have faced a more serious injury known as a stress fracture. This injury is caused by a number of factors, including overtraining or overuse, a sudden change in activity, having flat feet and chronic anterior compartment syndrome. The pain stems from inflammation or swelling of the thin layer of tissue, muscles and tendons that cover the shin bone.
First Aid
Following activity, you should ice the affected shin. This will help to reduce both pain and swelling. Using a circular motion, rub the ice over the affected area, using some pressure. This should be done seven minutes before activity and 15 minutes after activity.
Non-Surgical Treatment
You should rest the affected shin and your doctor may suggest cold packs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen, and mild compression. You may benefit from gentle stretching. After resting for several weeks, you may begin training at a low level again. How much training you are allowed to do will be determined by your doctor. Your doctor may also recommend that you work with a physical therapist. In less common instances, cortisone injections may be done to reduce inflammation.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery is not a commonly used treatment for shin splints, except in cases of compartment syndrome. If this syndrome is present, surgery is often recommended right away. The procedure consists of taking the pressure off of the tissue in the compartment. The surgeon will only have to make a few small incisions and then cut the nearby fascia to reduce this pressure. The incisions are not closed for two to three days because the surgeon will need to check the pressure over this time. If the pressure is fine, the incisions are closed. If not, further surgery will be performed to reduce the pressure.
Prevention
Gymnasts can work with a trainer to strengthen their calf muscles to help prevent shin splints. Exercises as simple as toe raises can be helpful. Cross-training with a less impacting sport can also be helpful. Such sports include swimming or biking. New activities should be started slowly, increasing intensity and duration gradually.
References
- ESPN Gymnastics; Shin Injury Not Expected to Affect Johnson's Olympic Plans; Aug. 4, 20082008
- St. Vincent's Hospital: Treatment of Shin Splints
- eOrthoPod: Shin Splints
- American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons: Shin Splints
- MayoClinic.com; Shin Splints Prevention; Dec. 15, 2010
- MedlinePlus: Shin Splints
