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The Types of Shin Splints

While any pain along the front of your lower leg tends to be called a shin splint, it is actually a very specific condition that generally happens when the tissue surrounding the tibia gets inflamed. This happens because of traction forces applied to the tissue, which is called the periostium. If you have a true shin splint, you'll feel pain on the inside lower half of your shin that begins while you are exercising. You may even find swelling or redness in the area.

  1. Anterior Shin Splints

    • The tibialis anterior muscle is encased in a thin sheath. The muscle connects to your foot so that you can flex it upward. If your foot tends to roll outward when you walk, the tibialis anterior muscle gets twisted within its sheath, causing more stress on the muscle. This can lead to small muscle tears or an inflammation of the sheath caused by the muscle rubbing against it. The result is a pain called an anterior shin splint. Left untreated, the pain will only increase anytime you apply weight to your leg. In extreme cases, it can lead to the muscles detaching, or a stress fracture.

    Posterior Shin Splints

    • The soleus and tibialis posterior muscles attach at the back of the knee, run down the back and inner side of your lower legs and attach to your feet. The muscles allow you to point your toes. If your foot tends to roll outward when you walk, the tibialis anterior muscle gets twisted causing more stress on the muscles. This can lead to small muscle tears and inflammation that will cause you pain when you apply weight to your leg. In extreme cases, it also can lead to the muscles detaching, or a stress fracture.

    Relief

    • You can find temporary relief by taking weight off the foot and elevating it. Cold therapy and massage can also bring you relief. You can use a topical pain reliever to rid yourself of the pain. With minor pain, this might be enough to cure the problem, but with more-intense pain, you need to seek a different treatment. A common one is to have an orthotic made that aligns your feet properly when you walk so the muscles aren't placed in a position where they can be injured.

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