“Shin-Splints”

By: Chad Adams

Leg pain commonly known as “shin splints” can be categorized in several different diagnosis such as; (MTSS) Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome or Periostitis, Tibial Stress Fractures,  Deep Posterior Compartment Syndrome, Exertional Compartment Syndrome, Fascial Hernias, Peripheral Neuropathy, and Blood Vessel Entrapment. All of these do have different signs and symptoms; however, are very commonly diagnosed as “shin splints” because we fail to investigate the problem or injury further.

The diagnosis can be classified and organized together relating to the specific part of the body they refer to. For example: Tibial Stress Fractures or Fibular Stress Fractures relate to the boney aspect of the leg, Periostitis (MTSS) relates to the periosteum of the bone, Exertional Compartment Syndrome and Fascial Hernia relate to the Muscle or Fascia aspect of the leg, Achilles, peroneal, or tibialis posterior tendinopathy refers to the tendon, Sural or Superficial peroneal nerve entrapment relates to the nerve in the lower leg. Also the popliteal artery entrapment, intermittent claudication, or other insufficiency refers to the blood and the spinal radiculopathy is more of a referred pain.

The most significant note to remember when evaluating for tibial stress fractures is “localized tenderness at the affected site rather than the diffuse longitudinal tenderness found in periostitis.” The uses of MRI’s and bone scans are very useful tools to diagnose someone with any of these injuries. I feel the main thing to check is someone’s post-tib pulse to make sure they are getting good blood supply to the limb and examine to see if they have any major swelling.

I feel as if we are using the term “shin splints” too lightly and with ease when half the time we aren’t even positive that’s what it is. I feel we should be more diligent in our evaluations and diagnosis. Shin Splints aren’t even a technical term to be using for a diagnosis anyway.