The term "shin splints" usually refers to pain along the inside-front
part of the lower leg. This pain is also referred to medial tibial stress
syndrome (MTSS).
MTSS is most often experienced by people that begin jogging. MTSS is
usually caused by an imbalance between the calf muscles on the back
of the lower leg (posterior muscles) and the anterior muscles or muscles
on the front part of the lower leg.
The more powerful posterior muscles overwork the less powerful anterior
muscles as the anterior muscles try to decelerate the body at heel strike
and when the anterior muscles lift the toe off the ground at toe-off.
The over-worked anterior muscles cause excess stress where the muscle
attaches to the bone. This causes inflammation and pain along the inside-front
part of the lower leg where the anterior muscles attach to the bone.
Treatment for shin splints includes anti-inflammatory medications,
physical therapy and custom orthotics to control motion and cushion
the foot.
