Shinsplints

This study determines the relationship between foot position, foot pronation, and quantitative electromyography of the anterior tibialis muscle for three female subjects with contrasting histories of shinsplints. The subject with a chronic shinsplint problem had the greatest degree of foot pronation, which resulted in an increased stress of the anterior tibialis muscle. Stress in this muscle was associated with the occurrence of shinsplints. No conclusion was made regarding foot position and shinsplints. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1980;2(2):60-64...

This study identifies the anatomical factors involved in shinsplints. The investigation was confined to the identification of select anatomical factors common to female subjects who develop shinsplints. The height of the longitudinal arch of the foot, pronation of the foot, and ratio of body weight to height was correlated with the incidence of shinsplints. Within the limits of the study, only foot pronation was significantly related to the incidence of shinsplints. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1980;2(2):55-59...

It was hypothesized that shinsplints are the result of muscle inflammation induced by overuse; thus, as an inflammatory response, the application of an antiinflammatory medication to the involved muscles would eliminate the pain of shinsplints. The application of hydrocortisone by iontophoresis was effective in the elimination of shinsplint pain in 18 cases of shinsplints involving four male and eight female athletes. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1982;3(4):183-185.

A question of current interest and debate in physical therapy is the proper treatment of shinsplints. Various investigators have espoused the merits of different treatment programs for the clinical management of shinsplints. However, data comparing the effectiveness of the several methods is limited. This study compares the effects of ice massage, ultrasound, iontophoresis, and phonophoresis in young adults with a shinsplint syndrome. The results indicate that none of these treatment modalities was superior to another; however, all were clearly superior to a controlled treatment program...

The increase in strenuous sports participation among adult Americans has led to a high incidence of overuse syndromes. Common running-related problems include iliotibial tract tendinitis, chondromalacia patellae, "shinsplints," stress fractures and various heel and foot syndromes. Most causes of overuse syndromes can be traced to training errors, anatomic factors, poor shoes and uneven running surfaces. These syndromes generally respond to modification of the exercise program, anti-inflammatory drugs and orthotic correction of lower extremity malalignment...

Shinsplints is not a specific diagnosis; it is a general term encompassing several conditions that result in chronic leg pain. Some recent advances, particularly the use of bone scan, have improved the diagnosis of shinsplints. Physicians dealing with these problems should refer to specific anatomic and etiologic conditions rather than use the term shinsplints. This will not only improve communication but also permit more accurate direction of therapy.