Shin Splints (Tibial Stress Syndrome/Tibial Tendinitis)
The term ‘shin splints’ is used to describe a pain felt in the front or inside edges of the shin region. There are two types of shin splints; anterior (frontal) and posterior (rear) each involving different muscles.
1. Anterior Shin Splints involve the tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus and digitorum longus muscles.
2. Posterior Shin Splints involve tibialis posterior, flexor hallucis longus and flexor digitorum longus muscles.
Shin splints generally occur when any of these muscles have been strained, weakened or placed under increased demand (overuse). Poor shock absorption, for example poor footwear or prolonged exposure to hard surfaces, are common causes of shin splints.
Shin splints generally present with a slow gradual increase in a deep, aching pain surrounding the shin bone, either anterior or posterior in location, and become worse with weight bearing activities.