Shin Splints
What is Shin Splints?
Shin splints, or medial tibial stress syndrome, are a painful condition that can occur to anyone who is physically active, from recreational athletes to professional players. Shin splints often result from excessive strain on the lower leg muscles, and they typically manifest as pain in the front or middle of the tibia. Shin splints are also commonly seen after a sudden increase in intensity or duration of physical activity.
If you are struggling with shin pain, it is best to seek professional help from a Podiatrist who can diagnose the cause of your pain and treat you accordingly. At The Performance Podiatrist, we pride ourselves on providing our patients with the highest quality of care possible.
Common Forms of Shin Splints
We will take a look at all of the different types of shin splints, as well as their symptoms and treatment options.
Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS) is the most common type of shin splint and is caused by overloading the muscles, tendons and bones in the shins. It is commonly seen in runners, dancers and military personnel. Symptoms include pain along the inside of the shin, tenderness to touch and swelling. Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome is most likely caused by:
Increase in load
Increased BMI
Biomechanics of the foot, leg and hips
Reduced Calf Strength
Inadequate footwear
Anterior Compartment Syndrome is a type of shin splint that is less common than MTSS and is caused by overuse of the muscles and tendons in the front of the shins. It is seen most often in soccer players, skiers and people who do a lot of jumping. Symptoms include pain along the front of the shin and tenderness to touch, it can feel achy, numb, tight and squeezing pain. It is commonly caused by:
Increase in load
Increased BMI
Reduced calf strength / mobility
Poor footwear
Foot biomechanics
Tibial Stress Fracture is a condition that can feel just like medial tibial stress syndrome and can sometimes co-exist. It will feel, dull, achy and burning pain in a very localised region of the tibia. The common causes for this are:
Sudden increase in loads
Bone Mineral Density
Gender (Females are typically 2.5x more prone to stress fractures)
Training surfaces (Concrete will typically lead to more force and shock through the body)
Inadequate footwear
Neurological / Vascular Impingement is just some of the uncommon causes for shin pain in which a nerve or blood vessel may be impinged, leading to painful symptoms during activity.
Treatment Options for Shin Splints
Shin Splints is a term used to describe a range of conditions affecting the shin region. It can be an extremely frustrating condition which can stop you from doing the things you love, such as running, walking and jumping. However, you may not have realised just how many different conditions fall under the umbrella term “Shin Splints”.
- Strengthening / Stretching
- Orthotics
- Footwear change
- Altering training loads
- Changing training surfaces
- Shockwave Therapy
- Dry Needling
- Massage
Plantar Heel Pain Program
We can treat a wide range of conditions, injuries and pain in the foot, ankle and lower leg. Some of the more common conditions we treat include:
SHIN SPLINTS FAQ's
We like to allow 60 mins for your initial biomechanical consultation, to ensure we have a thorough history, assessment, and diagnosis, it will also allow us to formulate the right treatment plan tailored specifically to you, so you can achieve your goals as soon as possible.
Subsequent consults are approximately 30 minutes, which will include relevant treatments, assessments and progress checks.
Yes, we have a Hicaps machine onsite, which will allow for instant rebates.
- Runners / Shoes
- Previous Orthotics or Inserts
- Active wear (Allows us to conduct a thorough assessment)
- X rays, Ultrasounds, CT or MRI scans
- Medical Reports (If any)
- Referral Letter (If you have one)
- Private Health Insurance Card
An initial consultation is $110 and review consultations are $90
For HCC holders or Concession Card Holders: $98 Initial and $83 review consult.
Both of which can be rebated as per your private health insurance, or Medicare.
No, you do not need a referral, we are primary care health practitioners, meaning we would be your first point of contact with any foot, ankle, or leg concern.
However, those with a chronic disease, may be eligible for a EPC Care Plan through their GP, this will enable a Medicare rebate for the consultation.
Our podiatry clinic is located at 7/101 Burgundy Street, Heidelberg VIC (Opposite the Commonwealth Bank).
There is ample parking at the rear of the clinic, off Cape Street, Heidelberg.
Yes, our podiatry clinic accepts NDIS participants who are self-managed, or plan managed.
You should book in with a podiatrist if you: Have pain in your heel, foot, leg, or ankle.
Many people believe foot pain is a normal part of life, however a podiatrist is your best bet, as we are experts in the foot and ankle and can help treat your concern on the spot.
Stop your heel pain in its tracks
Book an appointment today so we can help you get back on your feet and doing the things you need and love to do.
