Athletics can take a toll on your body. Conditioning, running, jumping and sprinting all place considerable stress on your lower extremities. Shin splints, or medial tibial stress syndrome, is pain on the front of your lower legs, according to the National Institutes of Health. Shin splints are a common overuse injury in athletes.
Athletes at Risk
Runners, especially distance runners and those who train on hills, and dancers are at an increased risk of developing shin splints. Athletes who suddenly increase their training frequency and/or intensity also are at risk for developing shin splints, as are those with flat feet. Flat feet can increase the stress placed on your lower legs during exercise or sports, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Symptoms
Shin splints occur as the result of repetitive activity that leads to the inflammation of the tendons and tissues of your tibia, or shinbone. This results in pain and tenderness along the inner edge of your shinbone. You may also experience swelling in your shinbone. When shin splints first develop, you may only notice pain while running, dancing or participating in weight-bearing sports and activities. As the condition progresses, you are likely to experience pain all the time.
Treatment
Shin splints can almost always be treated with conservative measures. The National Institutes of Health says shin splints can take two to four weeks to heal. At home, you can try resting and avoiding sports participation. You can ice your affected leg for 20 minutes at a time, twice a day. If you take a break from vigorous exercise, you can still participate in low-impact activities such as swimming, using an elliptical machine or riding a bike. As your pain subsides, you can gradually return to sports.
Considerations
If pain persists, consult your physician. A physical examination and medical history can help diagnose shin splints. An X-ray or MRI can be helpful in ruling out other conditions such as stress fractures, tendinitis or compartment syndrome. For stress fractures, you may be required to use crutches. Tendinitis can often be treated with rest and physical therapy. Compartment syndrome is a less-common condition that involves the swelling of your muscles due to exertion.
