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Shin splints or medial tibial stress syndrome is considered a cumulative stress injury, most often resulting from repeated stress to the bones and muscles without proper conditioning or rest between sports activities. The term shin splints is not actually a diagnosis, its more accurately a description of the underlying problem when you have inflammation of the sheath surrounding the bone and to the tendons that attach to the bone. This inflammation can cause pain on the outer front portion or the lower back portion of your lower leg. The best way to prevent shin splints is to warm up before exercise and activity, wear shoes that are designed for the activity and your overall foot structures. You should always be mindful of the surface on which you are exercising and avoid a hard surface whenever possible. Shin splints are also commonly associated with foot alignment problems and other biomechanical abnormalities such as overpronation or muscle imbalance. A thorough examination by your podiatrist will address and try to correct any biomechanical issues. A podiatrist is uniquely qualified to diagnose and implement treatment options including cold therapy, proper taping techniques, custom orthotics, stretching and muscle strengthening. Medication to reduce inflammation and a change in your everyday footwear may also be part of a conservative treatment.
Compartment syndrome is an acute medical problem following a traumatic injury such as a strong blow to the leg, overdevelopment of muscles, or complications from surgery causing severe swelling or bleeding. Muscle groups in the legs contain nerves and blood vessels and are covered by fascia, and the whole unit is called a compartment. This compartment does not readily expand which makes it susceptible to pressure build up. When the pressure gets too high compartment syndrome develops preventing oxygen and nourishment from reaching muscle cells by applying pressure to the nerves in the compartment.
This can be acute or chronic:
Acute: Medical emergency and can lead to paralysis, loss of limb, and death.
Chronic: Characterized by pain, swelling, burning, numbness or difficulty moving the foot.
These symptoms often dissipate afterwards, however these symptoms should not be ignored, especially if they occur shortly after an injury and surgery is typically required to reduce the pressure in the compartment. You podiatrist will be able to perform any type of treatment that you will need because they are physicians, surgeons and specialist on these types of leg injuries.
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“Dr Drury,
I thought I’d drop you a note and thank you again for hanging in there with me to get over my foot issues – primarily the plantar fasciitis. I’ve got great news to report as my husband and I did an extremely difficult hike at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon a few weeks ago and my foot was fine (other muscle groups were not quite ready for the level of difficulty). The hike was 9.4 miles with major elevation changes. Over this weekend, we did a 27 mile bike ride in Valle Caldera Preserve and again the foot held up fine. It is so wonderful to be back doing the outdoor activities I enjoy.
Truthfully, I’m also be glad to be wearing my cute shoes again a few days a week.
The APC treatment was amazing, I can’t believe the success I’ve had since having the treatment last November. As you know, I went through the cortisone shots with no success and we were starting to consider surgery. The APC treatment eliminated that need.
Thank you again to you and your staff for the part you played in my recovery. I recommend you and your staff to anyone I meet having foot issues.”
Ann Swancer