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The shin is the common name for the front of the lower leg bone (tibia) and its associated muscles and tendons. While the tibialis posterior serves to point the toes and foot downwards (plantarflexion), muscles on the front of the leg (primarily the anterior tibialis) serve to point the toes and foot upwards (dorsiflexion).
Anterior shin splints exist on the front of the lower leg and involve the tibialas anterior, while posterior shin splints present pain along the inside edge of the lower leg in the tibialis posterior tendon. As we walk or run, the tibialis anterior slows and steadies the motion of the foot as it hits the ground and lifts the foot during the swing phase of gait to prevent the toes from dragging the ground and prepare the foot for heel strike. Problems in this cycle often result in anterior shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), and are the most common cause of anterior shin pain.
The causes of shin splints can be many and multifaceted. Overuse in activities like running, jogging, or cycling can result in various types of inflammation. New activities, changing running surfaces or frequent activity on hard surfaces, wearing poorly fit or worn shoes, a drastic increase in activity, or running on uneven surfaces can also make an individual more susceptible to development of shin splints. Along with overactive calf muscles, over-striding is often a component of the biomechanical problem underlying the root cause. As explained above, the tibialis anterior is very important during gait. The tibialis anterior muscle and tendon lengthen past their “normal” range when one over-strides. To compensate and find new room for movement, the muscle will separate from the tibia (shinbone) and result in inflammation and pain.
Initially the pain may be very similar to other kinds of tendonitis in that it will start off sharp and then decrease as the body “warms up”. The pain then generally returns upon the end of activity. In more serious cases, or in untreated long time sufferers, the pain can become severe and progress into stress fractures. Symptoms usually occur on the front edge of the shinbone and can be recreated when bending the foot upwards or when pressed.
KT Tape can help relieve the pressure and strain on the tissue as well as relax the muscles of the shin. Kinesiology Tape will also increase proprioceptive awareness along the tibialis anterior and increase circulation to help quell inflammation. Use KT Tape in conjunction with rest to promote the healing process and see reduced recovery times*. Make certain to ice after activity as well as take NSAIDs for pain relief. As the condition worsens the pain is constant and could result in stress fractures if not managed properly. Use the following additional conservative therapies to help speed the recovery process:
* Not clinically proven for all injuries.