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Shin splints - Overview

Alternative Names

Lower leg pain; Pain - shins; Anterior tibial pain

Definition of Shin splints:

Shin splints are pains in the front of the lower legs caused by exercise. They usually appear after a period of inactivity.

Common Causes:

Shin splints can be caused by any of four types of problems, which are only occasionally serious.

Tibial shin splints are very common. They can affect both recreational and trained athletes, including runners. There are two types of tibial shin splints: tibial periostitis and posterior tibial shin splints. In tibial periostitis, the bone itself is tender.

Anterior compartment syndrome affects the outer side of the front of the leg.

Stress fractures usually cause sharp pain and tenderness 1 or 2 inches below the knee. A stress fracture is likely to occur 2 or 3 weeks into a new training program or after beginning a harder training program.

Shin splints

Lower leg muscles

Reviewed last on: 7/17/2008
Andrew L. Chen, MD, MS, Orthopedist, The Alpine Clinic, Littleton, NH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Carr K, Sevetson E, Aukerman D. Clinical inquiries. How can you help athletes prevent and treat shin splints? J Fam Pract. 2008;57:406-408.

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