Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS), more commonly known as shin splints, describes pain felt in the inner (medial) part of the shin bone (tibia) which is often felt during exercise involving impact loading, such as running and jumping sports such as basketball.
Pain in the shin can be due to training error, resulting in overload of the tibia from overuse (such as training for a marathon) or from a sudden increase in load after a period of rest (such as returning to training post injury/illness/holiday. Weakness in particular muscles may also be a contributing factor.
What should I do if I have shin splints?
If you have shin pain, a thorough assessment by a physiotherapist is required to determine the severity of the condition and to devise an appropriate management plan. In some cases, if there is a presentation of a more significant issue such as a stress reaction or stress fracture, a scan may be needed to make an accurate diagnosis and to help guide management. Often, however, this will not be required, and your physiotherapist will be able to guide you through the recovery process.
Can physio help my shin pain?
If you are suffering from shin splints or pain on the inside of your shin, your physiotherapist can help in diagnosing your condition, outlining a treatment plan to aid you in returning to you desired level of activity and provide injury prevention strategies so that the pain doesn’t return. If you have shin pain and would like some guidance on management, please contact us on 8269 3800 or book in online.