Shin Splints, also known as Tibial Tendonitis

Here is the summary on Shin Splints, also known as Tibial Tendonitis

Symptoms:
Pain located below the knee involving anterior or posterior leg typically reported several minutes after exercise begins or soon after completion. Also reported as deep, aching or throbbing; onset gradual although intensifies as exercise continues.

Etiology: (cause)
Overloading (overuse) phenomenon; typically secondary to running and jumping on hard surfaces. Due to periosteal inflammation associated with overuse injury. Inflammation from muscle pulling at myo-tendinous origin.(where the tendon joins the bone)

Exam
Extreme pronation noted or plantar flexion while non-weght bearing. Tenderness palpated to medial or anterolateral tibia, or posteromedial tibia. Calf muscles, tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius or soleus muscles hypertonic. Confirm on range of motion and resisted muscle tension.

Diagnosis
Anterior Compartment - Occurs with over-training when running hills, pain increases mostly when running downhill.

Lateral Compartment - Affects athletes with over pronation or excessive activity with peroneal muscle groups.

Medial Compartment - Posterior tibial shin splints most common. Seen often in runners and aerobic dancers.

Differential Dx
Stress fracture, trauma, or compartmental syndrome.

Tx Goals
Promote soft tissue healing, relieve pain and prevent recurrence, increase pain free ranges of motion, quickly change to rehabilitation and restoring function.

Tx
Rest affected area; stop aggravating activities; reduce running time, alter running style.

In addition to chiropractic treatment, Acute - Ice, ice massage, ultrasound for acute phase; for sub-acute, apply various massage techniques; stretch affected muscles, including quads and hamstrings