Shin splints

Dad had L4-5 discectomy to his back >30 years ago (ie slipped disc operation). He had a MRI which showed nothing in the investigation of his recent recurrent leg pain.

He goes for morning walk every day for an hour with very old worn out shoes. We are treating him for shin splints as he has those exact symptoms. With no cushion in the shoes it stresses the anterior tibia (shin). Thriftiness on the shoes led to expensive medical fees and MRI scan :-(.



What are shin splints?

Shin splints are injuries to the front of the outer leg. While the exact injury is not known, shin splints seem to result from inflammation from injury to the tendon (posterior peroneal tendon) and adjacent tissues in the front of the outer leg.

Shin splints represent one member of a group of injuries called "overuse injuries." Shin splints occur most commonly in runners or aggressive walkers.


What are the symptoms of shin splints?

Shin splints cause pain in the front of the outer leg below the knee. The pain of shin splints is characteristically located on the outer edge of the mid region of the leg next to the shin bone (tibia). An area of discomfort measuring 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in length is frequently present. Pain is often noted at the early portion of the workout, then lessens only to reappear near the end of the training session. Shin splint discomfort is often described as dull at first. However, with continuing trauma, the pain can become so extreme as to cause the athlete to stop workouts altogether.