What is Shin Splints?
Shin Splints, medically known as Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome, refers to pain felt along the inner edge of the shinbone (tibia). It commonly occurs due to repetitive stress on the shinbone and surrounding tissues, especially during running or jumping activities.
Prevalence & Occurrence
- Common in athletes, dancers, military recruits
- Occurs more frequently during sudden increase in physical activity
- Accounts for 10–20% of all running-related injuries
Affected Male-Female Ratio
- Slightly more common in females, especially those with biomechanical imbalances or low bone density
- Estimated ratio: Female:Male = 1.5:1
Common Sports Involved
- Running (especially on hard surfaces)
- Splinters
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Gymnastics
- Tennis
- Dance (especially ballet)
Causes of Shin Splints
- Overuse or sudden increase in training intensity
- Poor footwear or hard training surfaces
- Flat feet or abnormal gait
- Muscle imbalances or tight calves
- Immobility of ankle & Knee Joint
- Inadequate warm-up or recovery
Chart Comparison: Sports vs Normal Individuals
| Factors | Sports Individuals | Non-Sports Individuals |
|---|---|---|
| Activity level | High and repetitive impact | Low to moderate |
| Risk of shin splints | High due to overuse | Low but can occur with poor posture/footwear |
| Trigger | Running, jumping | Prolonged standing, walking on hard floors |
| Footwear concern | Improper sports shoes | Poor arch support in daily shoes |
| Response to injury | Often ignored due to training pressure | More likely to rest |
Common Age Group and Gender for Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome)
Commonly Affected Age Group:
- Teenagers to young adults (typically 15–30 years)
- This group is often involved in high-impact sports, military training, or starting new intense exercise routines, which increases the risk of repetitive stress injuries like shin splints.
More Common in Gender:
- Females are more commonly affected than males.
Why This Age & Gender Are More Affected?
- Growth Phase (Adolescents):
- Rapid bone growth in teens may outpace muscle and tendon development, leading to added stress on the shin area.
- Training Habits (Young Adults):
- Sudden increase in intensity or duration of exercise is common in this age group, especially in amateur athletes and college-level players.
- Biomechanical Factors (Females):
Females often have:- Wider hips → altered knee/foot alignment
- Greater risk of flat feet or pronation
- Lower bone density (especially in athletes with poor nutrition or menstrual irregularities)
- Use of inappropriate footwear during activities
- Participation in High-Risk Activities:
- Sports like dance, gymnastics, running, and soccer are highly popular among this age group and carry repetitive lower limb stress.
Difference Between Sports and Normal Individuals
- Athletes experience shin splints due to high-impact, repetitive movements and overtraining.
- Non-athletes may develop symptoms due to prolonged standing, incorrect posture, or improper footwear.
Role of Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy plays a vital role in identifying the root causes and tailoring a recovery and prevention plan.
How Physiotherapy Helps from Prevention to Recovery
Initial Phase
Pain reduction using Cryo-therapy, rest, mobility exercises and taping
Mid Phase
Stretching tight muscles (calves), strengthening weak muscles
Final Phase
Gait correction, return-to-sport training, footwear guidance
Preventive Measures
Education on warm-up, surface selection, and footwear
Take Away
- Shin Splints are common but preventable and treatable with the right care
- Ignoring symptoms can lead to stress fractures or chronic leg pain
- Seek help if pain persists beyond rest, or if it worsens with regular activities
Conclusion
Young females aged 15–30 years engaged in physically intense or repetitive impact activities are at higher risk for developing shin splints due to biomechanical, hormonal, and training-related factors.
Your legs carry you forward—take care of them with timely physiotherapy!
