Foot Facts: Redefining “Shin Splints”
October 2003
In the past the term “shin splints” was used in the medical world as a catch-all description that included painful conditions such as periostitis (inflammation around the surface of a bone), stress fractures, chronic compartment syndromes (pain caused by increased pressure within compartments containing muscle groups) and myositis (inflammation of a muscle). In general, any of the above causes could be responsible for pain in the shin of people involved in any athletic activities.
In recent years a more precise definition has appeared to describe shin splints. This definition covers the entire front aspect of the lower leg. The condition may present as myositis (inflammation of a muscle) or as an overuse injury of the anterior tibial or the posterior tibial muscles. Symptoms include pain that worsens with time and initially involves the activity that produces it (e.g., jogging). As time passes, the pain is also present day and night even when the person limits their physical activity. There are effective treatments available.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Ducach, request an appointment online or call Granite Medical at (617) 471-0033.