Shin pain is a common complaint amongst sportsmen and women of all ages. The term ‘shin splints’ is used as a loose reference, by sufferers, to non specific pain in the shins and legs. Shin pain has many causes and specific pathologies and requires careful evaluation by a podiatrist.
What Causes Shin Pain?
- Inflammation of the muscles in the leg
- Bone pain; stress fractures and bone strain
- Blood vessel problems
- Nerve entrapment
- Biomechanics
How Does The Way We Walk Cause Shin Pain?
Clinical research and experience has shown that abnormal biomechanics may predispose individuals to pain in the legs. Both flat feet and high arches can contribute to pain along the shin. The flat foot causes strain in the tibalis posterior muscle in the leg which ‘pulls’ on the bone causing pain. The cavoid foot (foot with a high arch) is less able to absorb shock and thus there is an increase in impact pressure on the tibia.
In patients with excessive pronation, the tibialis posterior muscle is required to contract harder in order to resist pronation after heel strike. This muscle often becomes fatigued and eventually fails to provide good shock absorption during gait. The constant contracting of these muscles can cause inflammation of the tibial bone sheath. This is Medial Tibial Traction Periostitis and is one of the more common culprits of shin pain.
How Do I Treat Biomechanical Shin Pain?
Treatment of shin pain is as varied as its causes. It is essential to see your podiatrist as soon as symptoms develop. Your podiatrist will assess your foot structure and biomechanics to define the problem. Treatment often involves orthotic therapy as well as icing and rest.
