What do you need to know about shin splints?

Shin splints 1 Overview. The term “shin splints” refers to pain along the shin bone (tibia) — the large bone in the front of your lower leg. 2 Symptoms. If you have shin splints, you might notice tenderness, soreness or pain along the inner side of your shinbone and mild swelling in your lower leg. 3 Causes. 4 Risk factors 5 Prevention.

What is the incidence of shin splint in the US?

Clinicians should also examine for inflexibility and imbalance of the hamstring and quadriceps muscles. Shin splint is a common overuse sports injury with incidence rates from 4% to 19% in athletic populations and 4% to 35% of military population.

What is the best over the counter medicine for shin splints?

Ice helps relieve the swelling and pain of shin splints. Pain relievers: Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can ease pain and swelling. Supplements: Vitamin D3 supplement (1000 to 2000 IU daily) may help. Discuss supplements with your doctor.

Can shin splints turn into a stress fracture?

Shin splints can turn into stress fractures. What are shin splints? Shin splints occur when the muscles and bones in the lower part of the leg pull and tug at their insertion on the shin bone (the tibia) and it becomes inflamed (irritated and swollen) and painful.

Who is at highest risk for shin splints?

Runners are at highest risk for developing shin splints. Dancers and military recruits are two other groups frequently diagnosed with the condition. Flat feet can increase stress on lower leg muscles during exercise. Symptoms The most common symptom of shin splints is pain along the border of the tibia. Mild swelling in the area may also occur.

Where does Shin splint pain occur on the leg?

Pain typically occurs along the inner border of the tibia, where muscles attach to the bone. Shin splint pain most often occurs on the inside edge of your tibia (shinbone). Reproduced and adapted with permission from Gruel CR: Lower Leg, in Sullivan JA, Anderson SJ (eds): Care of the Young Athlete.