Runners (or people who play sports that involve a lot of running) commonly present to doctors and physiotherapists with pain in the lower part of the leg, below the knee.<\/p>\n
There are a few potential causes for this type of pain and here are three important culprits, which are discussed below.<\/p>\n
Shin Splints<\/strong> Shin splints usually affects both legs, resulting in pain anywhere along the shin from the knee to the ankle and can be caused by over-vigorous training.<\/p>\n It is essentially a stress reaction, with inflammation occurring where the muscles and tendons pull on the bone; the pain tends to be triggered as soon as exercise begins, and it may feel sore to press along the front of the shinbone.<\/p>\n Chronic shin splints are more common in women, people who are overweight or Treatment usually involves rest, ice-packs and anti-inflammatories.<\/p>\n A good physiotherapy program may help with recovery, if there are foot problems, a podiatrist opinion may be very useful, with attention to proper footwear and arch support if needed.<\/p>\n Chronic Exertional Compartment\u00a0<\/strong>Syndrome (CECS):<\/strong> This can cause pain and may interfere with the nerve and\/or blood supply to the area.<\/p>\n It\u2019s though CECS may account for around half of lower leg pain brought on by exercise or running, it\u2019s equally common in men and women, tending to start in the early 20s.<\/p>\n People who have Diabetes have a higher risk, with CECS, pain and tenderness may start during exercise, in the muscular area on the shin.<\/p>\n This pain tends to arise after a specific amount of exercise each time, and then settles with rest, over time, the pain may start after shorter and shorter periods of activity, and the recovery time may also get longer.<\/p>\n Less commonly, pins and needles, numbness or weakness may occur if there\u2019s nerve compression.<\/p>\n If CECS condition is suspected, a specialist opinion should be considered (i.e. an orthopaedic surgeon), as it can be serious and sometimes requires surgical intervention.<\/p>\n
\nThis is also known as Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome or MTSS for short.<\/p>\n
\nwhose feet \u201cover-pronate\u201d- i.e. due to flat feet\/collapsed arches, it\u2019s important not to \u201crun through the pain\u201d if you have shin splints.<\/p>\n
\nThis is when the Tibialis Anterior (the muscle on the shin) becomes swollen, leading to increased pressure and swelling in the capsule of the muscle.<\/p>\n