Shin splints
Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome) is pain along the inner edge of the shin bone. It is common in runners, military recruits and people who have just started exercising more.
Symptoms and causes
- Aching or stabbing pain over several centimetres along the shin
- Pain at the start of running, later also afterwards
- Tenderness when pressing on the inner edge of the shin
Causes include increasing training too quickly, hard surfaces, overpronation and worn-out shoes.
How handmade insoles help
An insole that corrects overpronation and absorbs shock reduces the muscles’ pull on the shin. No treatment for shin splints is strongly proven; in practice we combine correcting foot posture with load advice. In studies, foot orthoses did help prevent stress fractures.
What you can do – and when to see a doctor
Temporarily reduce running, then build up gradually and replace worn-out shoes. If the pain is very localised and sharp, have a stress fracture ruled out.
If the pain does not improve after a few weeks, if there is swelling, redness or loss of sensation, or if you have diabetes or rheumatism, also have the complaint assessed by your GP.
Scientific evidence
- No treatment for shin splints is strongly proven; correcting foot posture and load advice are commonly combined in practice. Winters M, Eskes M, Weir A, et al. Treatment of medial tibial stress syndrome: a systematic review. Sports Med. 2013;43:1315-1333. PubMed 23979968
Trouble with your feet? We are happy to help.
First consultation usually within 1 week, in Oldenzaal, Denekamp or Losser.