Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome: Difference between revisions

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== Definition/Description  ==
== Introduction ==
Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS) or Shin-Splint Syndrome is a clinical pain condition mio3, defined as exercise-induced pain along the posteromedial tibial border (distal third) caused by repetitive loading stress during running and jumping<ref>Yates, Ben, and Shaun White. The incidence and risk factors in the development of medial tibial stress syndrome among naval recruits. The American journal of sports medicine. 2004; 32.3: 772-780. (Level of evidence 2B)</ref> and provoked on palpation over a length of ≥5consecutive centimeters.1 mio1 <ref>Kudo, Shintarou, and Yasuhiko Hatanaka. Forefoot flexibility and medial tibial stress syndrome. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery. 2015; 23.3: 357. (Level of evidence 1A)</ref> <ref>http://www.physio-pedia.com/Leg_and_Foot_Stress_Fractures . (Level of evidence 5)</ref>
[[File:Tibia - frontal view.png|thumb|Pain generally in the inner and lower 2/3rds of tibia.|alt=|240x240px]]
Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS) is a common overuse injury of the lower extremity. It typically occurs in runners and other athletes that are exposed to intensive weight-bearing activities such as jumpers<ref name=":10">Radiopedia  Medial tibial stress syndrome Available: https://radiopaedia.org/articles/medial-tibial-stress-syndrome-1<nowiki/>(accessed 2.6.2022)</ref>. It presents as exercise-induced pain over the anterior [[tibia]] and is an early stress injury in the continuum of tibial [[Stress Fractures|stress fractures]].<ref name=":9">McClure CJ, Oh R. Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome. 2019 Available:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538479/ (accessed 2.6.2022)</ref>.


The American Medical Association (AMA) defined as ‘Pain and discomfort in the leg from repetitive running on hard surfaces or forcible, excessive use of the foot flexors mio2 in ‘The Standard Nomenclature of Athletic Injuries.
It has the layman's moniker of “shin splints.”<ref name=":9" />
== Epidemiology ==
[[File:Runner surface and shoes.jpg|thumb|Risk factor- quick increase in running volume]]
The incidence of MTSS ranges between 13.6% to 20% in runners and up to 35% in military recruits.  In dancers it is present in 20% of the population and up to 35% of the new recruits of runners and [[Dancer's Tendonitis|dancers]] will develop it.<ref name=":3">Lohrer, H., Malliaropoulos, N., Korakakis, V., & Padhiar, N. [https://scholar.google.com/scholar_url?url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00913847.2018.1537861&hl=en&sa=T&oi=gsb&ct=res&cd=0&d=14631594707254492548&ei=_eU0Y_H8BZCXywTOrbawDQ&scisig=AAGBfm3OdinnrYmQUWLRtFcZkUHgI0G7iA Exercise-induced leg pain in athletes: diagnostic, assessment, and management strategies]. The Physician and sports medicine. 2018</ref>


Another proposed terminology is that described by Bruckner and Kahn, who say that "A more descriptive term that explains the inflammatory traction event in the tibial aspect of the common leg in the runners is the medial periostitis of the tibial traction or simply the tibial periostitis medial " mio4
Large increase in [[Load Management|load]], volume and high impact exercise can put at risk individuals to MTSS.  Risk factors include being a female, previous history of MTSS, high [[Body Mass Index|BMI]], [[Navicular Drop Test|navicular drop]], reduced hip external rotation [https://www.physio-pedia.com/Range_of_Motion range of motion], muscle imbalance and inflexibility of the [[Triceps Surae|triceps surae]]), muscle weakness of the triceps surae (prone to muscle fatigue leading to altered running mechanics, and strain on the tibia), running on a hard or uneven surface and bad running shoes <ref name=":9" /><ref name=":2">Galbraith, R. M., & Lavallee, M. E. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2848339/pdf/12178_2009_Article_9055.pdf Medial tibial stress syndrome: conservative treatment options]. Current reviews in musculoskeletal medicine. 2009; ''2''(3): 127-133.</ref> <ref name="Broos, 1991">Broos P. Sportletsels : [https://scholar.google.com/scholar_url?url=https://books.google.com/books%3Fhl%3Den%26lr%3D%26id%3D2FpjR04UCa8C%26oi%3Dfnd%26pg%3DPA15%26dq%3DBroos%2BP.%2BSportletsels%25C2%25A0%2B%2Baan%2Bhet%2Blocomotorisch%2Bapparaat.%2BLeuven%2B%2BGarant,%2B1991.%2B(Level%2Bof%2BEvidence%2B%2B5)%26ots%3DOnE9hHIuQQ%26sig%3DSNzM0EcqnaojVd0KEZzcn8C6YQM&hl=en&sa=T&oi=gsb&ct=res&cd=0&d=15174174591971393226&ei=K-Y0Y7uaIo3MyQSdgLaoAw&scisig=AAGBfm006F6JmHsTT0RP_Ek7dEvR0173aw aan het locomotorisch apparaat. Leuven: Garant, 1991]. (Level of Evidence: 5)</ref>&nbsp;
== Clinically Relevant Anatomy  ==


The pathophysiology of shin splints is more easily understood after examining the relevant cross-sectional anatomy. There are 4 muscle compartments in the leg:  
== Pathophysiology ==
[[File:Periosteum (green).png|thumb|Periosteum, vivid green]]
The pathophysiologic process resulting in MTSS is related to unrepaired microdamage accumulation in the cortical bone of the distal tibia, however this has not been definitively established. Two current theories are:  


*Anterior: this compartiment contains the [[Tibialis Anterior|tibialis anterior]] muscle, the extensor hallucis longus, the extensor digitorum longus and the peroneus tertius.
# The pain is secondary to [[Inflammation Acute and Chronic|inflammation]] of the periosteum as a result of excessive traction of the [[Tibialis Posterior|tibialis posterior]] or [[soleus]], supported by bone scintigraphy findings of a broad linear band of increased uptake along the medial tibial [[periosteum]]. But a case-controlled ultrasound based study which compared periosteal and tendinous edema of athletes with and without medial tibial stress syndrome found no difference between the groups.
# The tibialis anterior dorsiflexes the ankle and inverts the foot.
# Bony overload injury, with resultant microdamage and targeted remodeling. A study evaluating tibia biopsy specimens from the painful area of six athletes suffering from medial tibial stress syndrome gave only equivocal support for this theory. Linear microcracks were found in only three specimens and there was no associated repair reaction<ref name=":11">Milgrom C, Zloczower E, Fleischmann C, Spitzer E, Landau R, Bader T, Finestone AS. [https://sbrate.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Artigo-Andr%C3%A9-Pedrinelli-Ot%C3%A1vio-Assis-COMPLEMENTO-JSAMS_MEDIAL_TIBIAL_STRESS_GUIDELINES.pdf Medial tibial stress fracture diagnosis and treatment guidelines]. Journal of science and medicine in sport. 2021 Jun 1;24(6):526-30. (accessed 2.6.2022)</ref>.
# The extensor hallucis longus extends the great toe
== Clinical Presentation and Assessment ==
# The extensor digitorum longus extends the other toes and assists in eversion as does the peroneus tertius.
*B) Deep posterior: this contains the flexor digitorum longus, the tibialis posterior and the flexor hallucis longus. 
# The tibialis posterior plantar flexes and inverts the foot.
# The others are predominantly toe flexors.
*C) Superficial posterior: this is the gastrocnemius and soleus group; predominatly plantar flexors of the ankle.
*D) Lateral: this compartment contains the peroneus brevis and longus, mainly foot evertors (see figure 3).<ref>Batt, Mark E. "Shin Splints-A Review of Terminology." Clinical journal of sport medicine 5.1 (1995): 53-57.  (Level of evidence 1A)</ref>
 
A dysfunction of tibialis anterior and posterior are commonly implicated, also the area of attachment of these muscles can be the location of pain. <ref>Thacker SB, Gilchrist J, Stroup DF, Kimsey CD (2002). 'The prevention of shin splints in sports: a systematic review of literature'. Medicine &amp; Science</ref> Muscle imbalance and inflexibility, especially tightness of the triceps surae (gastrocnemius, soleus, and plantaris muscles), is commonly associated with MTSS . Athletes with muscle weakness of the triceps surae are more prone to muscle fatigue, leading to altered running mechanics, and strain on the tibia. Clinicians should also examine for inflexibility and imbalance of the hamstring and quadriceps muscles. <ref>Galbraith RM, Lavalee ME (2009). 'Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome: Conservative Treatment Options', Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine, 2(3), pp. 127-133</ref><br><br>VIDEO /IMAGE LOWER LEG + SHIN SPLINT&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;  &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
 
== Epidemiology /Etiology&nbsp; ==
Shin splint is a common overuse sports injury with incidence rates from 4% to 19% in athletic populations and 4% to 35% of military population mio1.
 
In runners (sprinters, middle and long distance runners and footballers) mio2 has been identified as the most commonrelated musculoskeletal injury with an incidence rate ranging from 13.6% to 20.0% and a prevalence of 9.5%. Also in dancers it is present in 20% of the population and up to 35% of the new recruits of runners and dancers will develop it, mio2
 
Shin-splints is most common with&nbsp;running and jumping athletes who made training errors, especially when they overload or when they run too fast for their potential. This injury can also be related to changes in the training program, such as an increase in distance, intensity and duration.<ref name="Galbraith & Lavalee, 2009">Galbraith RM, Lavalee ME (2009). 'Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome: Conservative Treatment Options', Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine, 2(3), pp. 127-133. (Level of Evidence: 3a)</ref>&nbsp; Running on a hard or uneven surface and bad running shoes (like a poor shock absorbing capacity) could be one of the factors related to the casualty. Biomechanical abnormalities as foot arch abnormalities, hyperpronation of the foot, unequal leg length,..<ref name="Broos, 1991">Broos P (1991). Sportletsels : aan het locomotorisch apparaat. Leuven: Garant, pp. 179-181. (Level of Evidence: 5)</ref>&nbsp; are the most frequently mentioned intrinsic factors.
 
Women have an increased risk to incur stress fractures, especially with this syndrome. This is due to nutrional, hormonal and biomechanical abnormalities. Individuals who are overweight are more susceptible to getting this syndrome. Therefore it is important that people who are overweight, combine their exercise with a diet or try to lose weight before starting therapy or a training program. These people, along with poor conditioned individuals, should always slowly increase their training level. Cold weather contributes to this symptom, therefore it’s important (even more than usual) to warm up properly. <ref name="Reid, 1992" />&nbsp;
 
The pathophysiology is unclear but there are two hypothesis for discussion: periostitis induced by fascial traction or a local bone stress reaction. mio2. Internally a chronic inflammation of the muscular attachment along the posterior medial tibia and bony changes are considered to be the most likely cause of the medial tibial stress syndrome.<ref name="Peterson and Renström, 2001">Peterson L, Renström P (2001). Sports Injuries: Their Prevention and Treatment. London: Dunitz, pp. 339-342.</ref>&nbsp;  
 
== Characteristics/Clinical Presentation  ==
 
The main symptom is dull pain at the distal two third of the posteromedial tibial border. The pain is non-focal but extends over “at least 5 cm” mio2 and is often bilateral<ref>Reid DC (1992). Sports Injury Assessment and Rehabilitation, New York: Churchill Livingstone.</ref>.It also worsens at each moment of contact.<ref>Broos P (1991). Sportletsels : aan het locomotorisch apparaat. Leuven: Garant, pp. 179-181.</ref> A mild edema in this painful area may also be present and tenderness on palpation is typically present following the inducing activity for up to several days.Mio2
 
At first the patient only feels pain at the beginning of the workout, often disappearing while exercising, only to return during the cool-down period. When shin splints get worse the pain can remain during exercise and also could be present for hours of days after cessation of the inducing activity mio2
 
The most common complication of shin-splints is a stress fracture, which shows itself by tenderness of the anterior tibia.<ref>Galbraith RM, Lavalee ME (2009). 'Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome: Conservative Treatment Options', Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine, 2(3), pp. 127-133.</ref> Neurovascular signs and symptoms are not commonly attributable to MTSS and when present, other pathologies such as chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) or vascular deficiencies should be considered as the source of leg pain. 14 , 15, 16
 
== Differential Diagnosis  ==
An algorithmic approach has been established for further differentiating exercise-induced leg pain entities mio2:
# Pain at rest with palpable tenderness indicates bone stress injuries (MTSS and stress fractures),
# No pain at rest with palpable tenderness proposes nerve entrapment syndromes
# No pain at rest with no palpable tenderness makes functional popliteal artery entrapment syndrome and chronic exertional compartment syndrome likely 
MTSS may overlap with the diagnosis of deep posterior compartment syndrome but the critical point for differentiation is the longer lasting post-exercise pain when compared with deep posterior chronic exertional compartment syndrome.
 
Compared with stress fractures, the painful area extends over more than 5 cm on the distal two thirds of the medial tibial border.
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="2" |KEY POINTS FOR ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT FOR MTSS mio2
! colspan="2" |KEY POINTS FOR ASSESSMENT MTSS<ref name=":3" />
|-
|-
|HISTORY
|HISTORY
|Increasing pain during exercise related to the medial tibial border in the middle and lower third
|
 
* Increasing pain during exercise related to the medial tibial border in the middle and lower third
Pain persists for hours or days after cessation of activity
* Pain persists for hours or days after cessation of activity
* Pain decreases with running (early stage)
* Differentiate from exertional compartment syndrome, for which pain increases with running
* Earlier onset of pain with more frequent training (later stages)
|-
|-
|PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
|PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
|Intensive tenderness of the involved medial tibial border
|
More than 5 cm
* Intensive tenderness of the involved medial tibial border, more than 5 cm
* Pes planus
* Tight Achilles tendon
* A "one-leg hop test" is a functional test, that can be used to distinguish between medial tibial stress syndrome and a stress fracture: a patient with medial tibial stress syndrome can hop at least 10 times on the affected leg where a patient with a stress fracture cannot hop without severe pain. The sensitivity of the hop test for diagnosing medial tibial stress fracture when pain and tenderness were present was 100%, the specificity 45%, the positive predictive value 74%, and the negative predictive value 100%
* Provocative test: pain on resisted plantar flexion
|-
|-
|IMAGING
|IMAGING
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|-
|-
|TREATMENT
|TREATMENT
|Mainly conservative (running retraining, ESWT)
|See later in page
|}
|}
It is important to differentiate MTSS from:
*Stress Fracture
*Chronic Exertional Compartmental Syndrome
*Sciatica
*Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
*Popliteal Artery Entrapment
*Muscle Strain
*Tumour
*Arterial endofibrosis
*Infection
*Nerve entrapment (common/superficial peroneus and saphenous)
The following are two conditions that are sometimes mistakenly diagnosed as shin splints.&nbsp;


Pain on the anterior (outside) part of the lower leg may be compartment syndrome: Swelling of muscles within a closed compartment which creates pressure. The symptoms of compartment syndrome include leg pain, unusual nerve sensations, and eventually muscle weakness.&nbsp;  
<ref name=":0">Winters, M. [https://scholar.google.com/scholar_url?url=https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/bjsports/early/2018/03/23/bjsports-2017-098907.full.pdf&hl=en&sa=T&oi=gsb-ggp&ct=res&cd=0&d=3120398065407133087&ei=eeY0Y9aDG-2KywSS3bH4Bg&scisig=AAGBfm2fh9BOQCGC1Yf8URbtP1putOqQ9Q Medial tibial stress syndrome: diagnosis, treatment and outcome assessment] (PhD Academy Award). Br J Sports Med. 2018</ref><ref name=":1">Thacker, S. B., Gilchrist, J., Stroup, D. F., & Kimsey, C. D. The prevention of shin splints in sports: a systematic review of literature. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 2002; ''34''(1): 32-40.</ref><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":11" />


Pain in the lower leg could also be a stress fracture (an incomplete crack in the bone), which is a far more serious injury than shin splints. The pain of a stress fracture is focal with tenderness in less than 5 cm. that can be find with a fingerprint as a definite spot of sharp pain. Additionally, stress fractures often feel better in the morning because the bone has rested all night; shin splints often feel worse in the morning because the soft tissue tightens overnight. Shin splints are also at their most painful when patient forcibly try to lift the foot up at the ankle and flex the foot. <ref>http://www.runnersworld.com/tag/shin-splints . (Level of evidence 5)</ref>
Watch this video on MTSS.
== Diagnostic Procedures  ==
Making the diagnosis based on history and physical examination is the most logical approach.MIO3,1  
# A standardised history include questions on the onset and location of the pain:
#* If there is exercise-induced pain along the distal 2/3 of the medial tibial border: MTSS diagnosis is suspected
#* The athlete is asked of what aggravated and relieved their pain: If pain is provoked during or after physical activity and reduced with relative rest, MTSS diagnosis is suspected
#* The athlete is asked about cramping, burning and pressure-like calf pain and/or pins and needles in the foot (their presence could be signs of chronic exertional compartment syndrome, which could be a concurrent injury or the sole explanation for their pain): If no present, MTSS diagnosis is suspected
# Physical examination If MTSS is suspected after the history: the posteromedial tibial border is palpated and the athletes are asked for the presence of recognisable pain (ie, from painful activities). 
#* If no pain on palpation is present, or the pain is palpated over less than 5 cm: other lower leg injuries (eg, a stress fracture) has to be considered to be present and the athlete is labelled as not having MTSS
#* If other symptoms not typical of MTSS are present (severe and visible swelling or erythema along the medial border): other leg injury should be considered
#* If recognisable pain is present on palpation over 5 cm or more and no atypical symptoms are present, the diagnosis MTSS is confirmed. 


Detmer in 1986 developed a classification system to subdivide MTSS into three types: <ref>Moen, Maarten H., et al. Medial tibial stress syndrome. Sports medicine. 2009; 39(7): 523-546. (Level of evidence 3A)</ref>
{{#ev:youtube|KrCpFoR5PCY}}
# Type I - tibial microfracture, bone stress reaction or cortical fracture
# Type II - periostalgia from chronic avulsion of the periosteum at the perios teal-fascial junction
# Type lll – chronic compartment syndrome.
Imaging studies are not necessary to diagnose shin-splints, but when a conservative treatment fails, it could be useful to undertake an echo. If the injury has evolved into a stress fracture, an x-ray scan can show black lines. A triple-phase bone scan can show the difference between a stress fracture and a medial tibial stress syndrome.[7] The MRI can also exclude tumors/edemas.<ref>Broos P (1991). Sportletsels : aan het locomotorisch apparaat. Leuven: Garant, pp. 179-181.</ref>


It is important that clinicians be aware that about 1/3 (32%) of the athletes with MTSS have co-existing lower leg injuries mio1
== Management ==
[[File:Navicular drop test.png|thumb|Navicular drop test]]
Management of MTSS is conservative, focusing on rest and activity modification with less repetitive, load-bearing exercise. No specific recommendations on the duration of rest required for resolution of symptoms, and it is likely variable depending on the individual.


== Outcome Measures  ==
Other therapies available (with low-quality evidence) include iontophoresis, phonophoresis, [https://www.physio-pedia.com/Cryotherapy ice] massage, [https://www.physio-pedia.com/Therapeutic_Ultrasound ultrasound therapy], periosteal pecking, and [[Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy |extracorporeal shockwave therapy]]. A recent study on naval recruits showed prefabricated [[Introduction to Orthotics]] reduced MTSS<ref name=":9" />.


The MTSS score should be used as a primary outcome measure in MTSS because is valid, reliable and responsive. It measures: MIO3
Complications: Recurrence common after resumption of heavy activity.<ref name=":4" />
* Pain at rest
* Pain while performing activities of daily living
* Limitations in sporting activities
* Pain while performing sporting activities.
The MTSS score specifically measures pain along the shin and limitations due to shin pain.
== Examination  ==


{{#ev:youtube|KrCpFoR5PCY}}<ref>Physiotutors. Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome / MTSS / Shin Splints. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrCpFoR5PCY</ref>
== Physical Therapy Management    ==
Patient education and a graded loading exposure program seem the most logical treatments.<ref name=":0" /> Conservative therapy should initially aim to correct functional gait, and biomechanical overload factors.<ref name=":3" />Recently ‘running retraining’ has been advocated as a promising treatment strategy and graded running programme has been suggested as a gradual tissue-loading intervention.<ref name=":3" />  


For the physical examination a good palpation of the lower leg will be necessary. The medial ridge of the tibia (origin of the tibialis posterior and soleus muscles) is often tender to palpation, especially at the distal and middle tibial regions. The anterior tibia, however, is usually nontender. Neurovascular symptoms are usually absent.<br>Physicians should carefully evaluate for possible knee abnormalities (especially genu varus or valgus), tibial torsion, femoral anteversion, foot arch abnormalities, or a leg-length discrepancy. Ankle movements and subtalar motion should also be evaluated. Clinicians should also examine for inflexibility and imbalance of the hamstring and quadriceps muscles and weakness of “core muscles”. Core and pelvic muscle stability may be assessed by evaluating patient’s ability to maintain a controlled, level pelvis during a pelvic bridge from the supine position, or a standing single-leg knee bend.<br>Examining patient’s shoes may reveal generally worn-out shoes or patterns consistent with a leg-length discrepancy or other biomechanical abnormalities. <br>Abnormal gait patterns should be evaluated with the patient walking and running on a treadmill. <ref>Beck B (1998). 'Tibial stress injuries: an aetiological review for the purposes of guiding management', Sports Medicine, 26(4), pp. 265-279.</ref><ref>Kortebein PM, Kaufman KR, Basford JR, Stuart MJ. Medial tibial stress syndrome. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2000;32(3 Suppl):S27-33.(Level of evidence 1A)</ref><ref>Wilder R, Seth S. Overuse injuries: tendinopathies, stress fractures, compartment syndrome, and shin splints. Clin Sports Med. 2004;23(1):55-81. (Level of evidence 4)</ref><ref>Moen, Maarten H., et al. Medial tibial stress syndrome. Sports medicine. 2009; 39(7): 523-546. (Level of evidence 3A)</ref><ref>Fredericson M. Common injuries in runners. Diagnosis, rehabilitation and prevention. Sports Med. 1996;21:49–72. (Level of evidence 4)</ref><ref>Galbraith RM, Lavalee ME (2009). 'Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome: Conservative Treatment Options', Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine, 2(3), pp. 127-133.</ref> <ref>Strakowski J, Jamil T. Management of common running injuries. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2006;17(3):537–552.(Level of evidence 2A)</ref><ref>Dugan S, Weber K. Stress fracture and rehabilitation. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2007;18(3):401–416. (Level of evidence 3A)</ref><ref>Sommer H, Vallentyne S. Effect of foot posture on the incidence of medial tibial stress syndrome. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1995;27:800–804. (Level of evidence 3A)</ref><ref>Niemuth P, Johnson R, Myers M, Thieman T. Hip muscle weakness and overuse injuries in recreational runners. Clin J Sport Med. 2005;15(1):14–21. (Level of evidence 1A)</ref><ref>Greenman P. Principles of manual medicine. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams &amp; Wilkins. 2003;3(11):337–403, 489. . (Level of evidence 1A)</ref><ref>Howell J. Effect of counterstrain on stretch reflexes, Hoffmann reflexes, and clinical outcomes in subjects with plantar fasciitis. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2006;106(9):547–556. (Level of evidence 1B)</ref><ref>Karageanes S. Principles of manual sports medicine. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins. 2005: 467–468. Level of evidence 1A)</ref><br><br>  
Prevention of MTSS was investigated in few studies and shock-absorbing insoles, pronation control insoles, and graduated running programs were advocated.<ref name=":3" />


[[Image:Pelvic bridge.png|300x200px]]Pelvic bridge exercise to strengthen gluteal core muscles. Courtesy: R. Michael Galbraith
Over-stress avoidance is the main preventive measure of MTSS or shin-splints. The main goals of shin-splints treatment are pain relieve and return to pain‑free activities.<ref>Alfayez, S. M., Ahmed, M. L., & Alomar, A. Z. [https://scholar.google.com/scholar_url?url=https://journalmsr.com/a-review-article-of-medial-tibial-stress-syndrome/&hl=en&sa=T&oi=gsb-ggp&ct=res&cd=0&d=15053537490463950903&ei=puY0Y57SFIHeyQTv06PwDQ&scisig=AAGBfm13OxVYa3JO_AGvF9k0TbYwp3Dqiw A review article of medial tibial stress syndrome]. Journal of Musculoskeletal Surgery and Research. 2017; ''1''(1): 2. (Level of Evidence: 4) </ref>


== Medical Management    ==
=== Acute phase ===
2-6 weeks of rest combined with medication is recommended to improve the symptoms and for a quick and safe return after a period of rest. NSAIDs and Acetaminophen are often used for analgesia. Also cryotherapy with Ice-packs and eventually analgesic gels can be used after exercise for a period of 20 minutes. 


Surgical treatment is rarely needed. It is indicated in the athlete who has failed one year's conservative treatment or in whom the condition is recurrent (two or more times). A posterior fasciotomy is the common procedure performed. It consists of one or more fascial incisions to relieve tension or pressure commonly to treat the resulting loss of circulation. They are often not a complete resolution but may improve symptoms of pain and function. Postoperatively patients must follow a graded rehabilitation program similar to that used in non-operative treatment. <ref>Yates B, Allen MJ, Barnes MR. Outcome of surgical treatment of medial tibial stress syndrome. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2003;85-A(10):1974-80. (Level of evidence 4)</ref><ref>Yates B, Allen MJ, Barnes MR. Outcome of surgical treatment of medial tibial stress syndrome. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2003;85-A(10):1974-80. (Level of evidence 4)</ref><ref>Holen KJ, Engebretsen L, Grontvedt T, Rossvoll I, Hammer S, Stoltz V. Surgical treatment of medial tibial stress syndrome (shin splint) by fasciotomy of the superficial posterior compartment of the leg. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 1995;5(1):40-3. (Level of evidence 1A)</ref> <br>Other treatment options include ultrasound, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, and steroid injections. Schulze et al looked at various treatment options from application of local and systemic anti-inflammatory medicaments to physiotherapy with ultrasound, phonophoresis, and local friction. However, they concluded none of these methods has proven to be superior to the others. <ref>Moen M, Holtslag L, Bakker E, et al. The treatment of medial tibialfckLR stress syndrome in athletes; a randomized clinical trial. BMC SportsfckLR Science 2012;4:12 . (Level of evidence 1A)</ref><br><br>  
* There are a number of physical therapy modalities to use in the acute phase but there is no proof that these therapies such as ultrasound, soft tissue mobilization, electrical stimulation<ref name=":6">Beck B. [http://bands.ua.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Tibial-Stress-Injuries-Review.pdf Tibial stress injuries: an aetiological review for the purposes of guiding management.] Sports Medicine. 1998; 26(4):265-279.</ref> would be effective.<ref name=":2" /> A corticoid injection is contraindicated because this can give a worse sense of health. Because the healthy tissue is also treated. A corticoid injection is given to reduce the pain, but only in connection with rest.<ref name="Broos, 1991" />
* Prolonged rest is not ideal for an athlete.


== Physical Therapy Management    ==
=== Subacute phase ===
The treatment should aim to modify training conditions and to address eventual biomechanical abnormalities. Change of training conditions could be decreased running distance, intensity and frequency&nbsp;and intensity by 50%. It is advised to avoid hills and uneven surfaces.


For the treatment of shin-splints it’s important to screen the risk factors, this makes it easier to make a diagnosis and to prevent this disease. In the next table you can find them.<ref>Winkelmann, Z. K., Anderson, D., Games, K. E., & Eberman, L. E. (2016). Risk Factors for Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome in Active Individuals: An Evidence-Based Review. Journal of athletic training, 51(12), 1049-1052. (Level of Evidence: 1a)</ref> (Level of Evidence: 1a)   
* During the rehabilitation period the patient can do low impact and cross-training exercises (like running on a hydro-gym machine). After a few weeks athletes may slowly increase training intensity and duration and add sport-specific activities, and hill running to their rehabilitation program as long as they remain pain-free.
* A stretching and strengthening (eccentric) calf exercise program can be introduced to prevent muscle fatigue. <ref name=":8">Dugan S, Weber K. [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17678759/ Stress fracture and rehabilitation.] Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2007;18(3):401–416. (Level of evidence 3A)</ref><ref>Couture C, Karlson K. [https://scholar.google.com/scholar_url?url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3810/psm.2002.06.337&hl=en&sa=T&oi=gsb&ct=res&cd=0&d=9979500497343675539&ei=A-c0Y76OIoHeyQTv06PwDQ&scisig=AAGBfm1oGFVoivU0Ez5hJtHPoQEQiDgZbA Tibial stress injuries: decisive diagnosis and treatment of ‘shin splints]’. Phys Sportsmed. 2002;30(6):29–36.(Level of Evidence: 3a)</ref><ref name=":7">DeLee J, Drez D, Miller M. DeLee and Drez’s orthopaedic sports medicine principles and practice. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders. 2003:2155–2159.(Level of Evidence: 5)</ref> Patients may also benefit from [https://www.physio-pedia.com/Strength_Training strengthening] core hip muscles. Developing core stability with strong abdominal, gluteal, and hip muscles can improve running mechanics and prevent lower-extremity overuse injuries. <ref name=":7" />
* Proprioceptive [https://www.physio-pedia.com/Balance_Training balance training] is crucial in neuromuscular education. This can be done with a one-legged stand or balance board. Improved [https://www.physio-pedia.com/Proprioception proprioception] will increase the efficiency of joint and postural-stabilizing muscles and help the body react to running surface incongruities, also key in preventing re-injury.<ref name=":7" />
* Choosing good shoes with good shock absorption can help to prevent a new or re-injury. Therefore it is important to change the athlete's shoes every 250-500 miles, a distance at which most shoes lose up to 40% of their shock-absorbing capabilities.<br>In case of biomechanical problems of the foot, individuals may benefit from [[Introduction to Orthotics]]. An over-the-counter orthosis (flexible or semi-rigid) can help with excessive foot pronation and pes planus. A cast or a pneumatic brace can be necessary in severe cases.<ref name=":2" />
* [https://www.physio-pedia.com/Manual_Therapy Manual therapy] can be used to control several biomechanical abnormalities of the spine, sacro-illiacal joint and various muscle imbalances. They are often used to prevent relapsing to the old injury.
* There is also acupuncture, ultrasound therapy injections and extracorporeal shock-wave therapy but their efficiency is not yet proved.


{| width="300" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1"
== Differential Diagnosis ==
{| class="wikitable"
| colspan="0" |'''Condition'''
| colspan="0" |'''Characteristics'''
| colspan="0" |'''Tissue origin'''
|-
| colspan="0" |Anterior tibial stress syndrome
| colspan="0" |Vague, diffuse pain along anterolateral tibia, worse at beginning of exercise that decreases during training
| rowspan="2" |Periosteum
|-
| colspan="0" |Medial tibial stress syndrome
| colspan="0" |Vague, diffuse pain along middle-distal tibia, worse at beginning of exercise, that decreases during training
|-
| colspan="0" |Tibial/fibular stress fracture
| colspan="0" |Pain with running, point tenderness over fracture site, "dreaded black line" on lateral x-ray
| colspan="0" |Bone
|-
| colspan="0" |Exertional compartment syndrome
| colspan="0" |Symptoms begin 10min into exercise andresolve 30min after exercise, sensory or motor loss, elevated anterior compartment pressures
| colspan="0" |Muscle and fascia
|-
| colspan="0" |Leg Tendinopathy
| colspan="0" |May be Achilles tendon, peroneal tendon, or tibialis posterior
| colspan="0" |Tendon
|-
| colspan="0" |Sural or SPN entrapment
| colspan="0" |Dermatomal distribution of symptoms
| rowspan="2" |Nerve
|-
|-
| '''Intrinsic factors'''
| colspan="0" |Lumbar radiculopathy
| '''Extrinsic factors'''
| colspan="0" |Worse with lumbar tension position (sitting)
|-
|-
| Age <br>Sex<br>Height<br>Weight<br>Body fat<br>Femoral neck anteversion<br>Genu valgus<br>Pes clavus<br>Hyperpronation<br>Joint laxity<br>Aerobic endurance/conditioning<br>Fatigue<br>Strength of and balance between<br>flexors and extensors<br>Flexibility of muscles/joints<br>Sporting skill/coordination<br>Physiological factors<br>
| colspan="0" |Popliteal artery entrapment
| Sports-related factors<br>Type of sport<br>Exposure (e.g., running on one side of the road)<br>Nature of event (e.g., running on hills)<br>Equipment<br>Shoe/surface interface<br>Venue/supervision<br>Playing surface<br>Safety measures<br>Weather conditions<br>Temperature<br>
| colspan="0" |Diagnosed with vascular studies
| colspan="0" |Blood vessel
|}
|}
 
<ref name=":4">Ortho bullets [https://www.orthobullets.com/knee-and-sports/3108/tibial-stress-syndrome-shin-splints Tibial Stress Syndrome] (Shin Splints) Available: https://www.orthobullets.com/knee-and-sports/3108/tibial-stress-syndrome-shin-splints<nowiki/>(accessed 2.6.2022)</ref>
Overstress avoidance is the main preventive measure of MTSS or shin-splints. The main goals of shin-splints treatment are pain relieve and return to pain‑free activities.<ref>Alfayez, S. M., Ahmed, M. L., & Alomar, A. Z. (2017). A review article of medial tibial stress syndrome. ''Journal of Musculoskeletal Surgery and Research'', ''1''(1), 2. (Level of Evidence: 4) </ref> (Level of Evidence: 4)
 
<br>
 
Acute phase:<br>The conservative treatment of this injury starts with rest. A therapist will recommend you 2-6 weeks of rest. This rest should be strictly applied. Otherwise the symptoms can be worsened. Prolonged rest is not ideal for an athlete, thus other therapies are necessary for a quick and safe return after a period of rest. This rest can be assisted by medication. NSAIDs and Acetaminophen are often used for analgesia. The second thing a therapist will say is to use ice and eventually analgesic gels. The cryotherapy can be used after exercise for a period of 20 minutes. There are a number of physical therapy modalities to use in the acute phase but there is no proof that these therapies such as ultrasound, soft tissue mobilization, electrical stimulation,..<ref name="Beck, 1998">Beck B (1998). 'Tibial stress injuries: an aetiological review for the purposes of guiding management', Sports Medicine, 26(4), pp. 265-279. (Level of Evidence: 1a)</ref>&nbsp;(Level of Evidence: 1a) would be effective.<ref name="Galbraith & Lavalee, 2009" />&nbsp;(Level of Evidence: 3a) A corticoid injection is contraindicated because this can give a worse sense of health. Because the healthy tissue is also treated. A corticoid injection is given to reduce the pain, but only in connection with rest.<ref name="Broos, 1991" />&nbsp;(Level of Evidence: 5)
 
<br>Subacute phase:<br>The treatment should aim to modify training conditions and to address eventual biomechanical abnormalities. Change of training conditions could be decreased running distance, intensity and frequency&nbsp; and intensity by 50%. It is advised to avoid hills and uneven surfaces.<br>
 
During the rehabilitation period the patient can do low impact and cross-training exercises (like running on a hydro-gym machine).). After a few weeks athletes may slowly increase training intensity and duration and add sport-specific activities, and hill running to their rehabilitation program as long as they remain pain-free. <br>A stretching and strengthening (eccentric) calf exercise program can be introduced to prevent muscle fatigue. <ref>Dugan S, Weber K. Stress fracture and rehabilitation. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2007;18(3):401–416. (Level of Evidence: 3a)</ref><ref>Couture C, Karlson K. Tibial stress injuries: decisive diagnosis and treatment of ‘shin splints’. Phys Sportsmed. 2002;30(6):29–36.(Level of Evidence: 3a)</ref><ref>DeLee J, Drez D, Miller M. DeLee and Drez’s orthopaedic sports medicine principles and practice. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders. 2003:2155–2159.(Level of Evidence: 5)</ref> (Level of Evidence: 3a) (Level of Evidence: 3a) (Level of Evidence: 5)
 
[[Image:Calf stretches.png|300x200px]]Eccentric calf stretches and strengthening exercises. Courtesy: R. Michael Galbraith
 
<br>
 
Patients may also benefit from strengthening core hip muscles. Developing core stability with strong abdominal, gluteal, and hip muscles can improve running mechanics and prevent lower-extremity overuse injuries. <ref>DeLee J, Drez D, Miller M. DeLee and Drez’s orthopaedic sports medicine principles and practice. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders. 2003:2155–2159.(Level of Evidence: 5)</ref> (Level of evidence: 5)<br>
 
Proprioceptive balance training is crucial in neuromuscular education. This can be done with a one-legged stand or balance board. Improved proprioception will increase the efficiency of joint and postural-stabilizing muscles and help the body react to running surface incongruities, also key in preventing re-injury. <ref>DeLee J, Drez D, Miller M. DeLee and Drez’s orthopaedic sports medicine principles and practice. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders. 2003:2155–2159.(Level of Evidence: 5)</ref> (Level of evidence: 5)<br>Another thing that can help prevent a new or re-injury is to choose good shoes with good shock absorption. Therefore it is important to change your shoes every 250-500 miles, a distance at which most shoes lose up to 40% of their shock-absorbing capabilities. <br>In case of biomechanical problems of the foot may individuals benefit from orthotics. An over-the-counter orthosis (flexible or semi-rigid) can help with excessive foot pronation and pes planus. A cast or a pneumatic brace can be necessary in severe cases.<ref>Galbraith RM, Lavalee ME (2009). 'Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome: Conservative Treatment Options', Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine, 2(3), pp. 127-133. (Level of Evidence: 3a)</ref> (Level of Evidence: 3a)<br><br>
 
Manual therapy can be used to control several biomechanical abnormalities of the spine, sacro-illiacal joint and various muscle imbalances. They are often used to prevent relapsing to the old injury. But manual therapy is not the only therapy that can be used; there is also acupuncture, ultrasound therapy injections and extracorporeal shock-wave therapy but their efficiency is not yet proved.
 
The vast majority of individuals with MTSS have significant improvement, if not complete resolution, of their symptoms with conservative management. Surgery is usually reserved for recalcitrant cases who do not respond with conservative treatment. They are often not a complete resolution but may improve symptoms of pain and function.<ref>Galbraith RM, Lavalee ME (2009). 'Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome: Conservative Treatment Options', Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine, 2(3), pp. 127-133. (Level of Evidence: 3a)</ref> (Level of Evidence: 3a)<br><br>
 
<br>
 
== Case Studies  ==
 
*[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4127515/ Diagnosis and management of acute medial tibial stress syndrome in a 15 year old female surf life-saving competitor]
*[http://informahealthcare.com/doi/pdf/10.3109/17453674.2014.942587 Medial tibial stress syndrome: A skeleton from medieval Rhodes demonstrates the appearance of the bone surface – a case report]<br>
 
== Resources    ==
 
'''Primary resources:'''<br>GALBRAITH R.M. and LAVALEE M.E., ‘Medial Tibial Stress syndrome: conservative treatment options’, Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med.; September 2009, 2(3):127-133. (E)<br>Craig D.I., ‘Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome: Evidence-based Prevention’, J Athl Training, June 2008; 43(3): 316-318. (A)<br>THACKER S.B.,(2002) ‘The prevention of shin splints in sports: a systematic review of literature’ , Medicine &amp; science in sports &amp; exercises, the first of November 2002; 34(1):32-40. (A)<br>PURANEN J. and ORAVA S., (1979) ‘ Athletes’ leg pain’, British Journal of Sports Medcine, Spetmber 1979; 13(3):p.92-97. (C)
 
'''Secondary resources: '''
 
Broos P., Sportletsels, Leuven/Apeldoorn: Garant, 1991. (p.22, 179-181). <br>Kjær M. et al, Sports Medicine; Basic science and clinical aspects of sports injury and physical activity, Oxford: Blackwell Publishing,2003. (p.530-535). <br>Peterson L. and Renström Per, Sports injuries: their prevention and treatment, 3th edition, London: Dunitz, 2001. (p.11,339-342).<br>Reid D.C. et al., Sports injury assessment and rehabilitation, New York/ London/ Melbourne/ Tokyo: Churchill Livingstone,1992. (p.269-280).<br>BECK B., (1998) ‘Tibial stress injuries: an aetiological review for the purposes of guiding management’, Sports Medicine, 1998, 26(4) 265-279.<br>BRUCKNER P. and KHAN K., ‘Clinical sports medicine’, 3th edition,North Ryde: McGraw-Hill, 2007(p.555-575).<br>Chasan N., shin-splints, (http://srcpt.blogspot.com/2009/02/shin-splints.html), 2 February 2009.<br>Sportsinjuryclininc, shin splints, (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jg79mQqiacM), online video, last accessed, 13 October 2007.<br>Widmark E., How to indentify, treat and prevent medial tibial stress syndrome, (http://www.fysionutrition.se/wp-content/uploads/How-to-treat-and-prevent-medial-tibial-stress-syndrome.pdf), 2009.<br>  


== Clinical Bottom Line  ==
== Clinical Bottom Line  ==


‘Shin splints’ is a vague term that implicates pain and discomfort in the lower leg, caused by repetitive loading stress. There can be all sorts of causes to this pathology according to different researches. Therefore, a good knowledge of the anatomy is always important, but it’s also important you know the other disorders of the lower leg to rule out other possibilities, which makes it easier to understand what’s going wrong. Also a detailed screening of known’s risk factors, intrinsic as well as extrinsic, to recognize factors that could add to the cause of the condition and address these problems.<ref name="p6" /><br><div class="researchbox">
‘Shin splints’ is a vague term that implicates pain and discomfort in the lower leg, caused by repetitive loading stress. There can be all sorts of causes to this pathology according to different researches. Therefore, a good knowledge of the anatomy is always important, but it’s also important you know the other disorders of the lower leg to rule out other possibilities, which makes it easier to understand what’s going wrong. Also a detailed screening of known’s risk factors, intrinsic as well as extrinsic, to recognize factors that could add to the cause of the condition and address these problems.
.<br>

</div>
== References  ==
== References  ==


<references />  
<references />  
<br>
<br>
<br> <references /><references /> 8. Wheeless' Textbook of Orthopaedics. Shin Splints / Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome. Available at: http://www.wheelessonline.com/orth/shin_splints_medial_tibial_stress_syndromefckLR[Accessed 24th Aug 2008].


[[Category:Vrije_Universiteit_Brussel_Project]]
[[Category:Vrije_Universiteit_Brussel_Project]]
[[Category:Musculoskeletal/Orthopaedics|Orthopaedics]]
[[Category:Musculoskeletal/Orthopaedics|Orthopaedics]]
[[Category:Sports_Injuries]]
[[Category:Sports_Injuries]]
[[Category:Foot_and_Ankle_Conditions]]  
[[Category:Ankle]] [[Category:Ankle - Conditions]]
[[Category:Knee]] [[Category:Knee - Conditions]]
[[Category:Conditions]]
[[Category:Primary Contact]]
[[Category:Primary Contact]]
[[Category:Sports Medicine]]
[[Category:Sports Medicine]]

Latest revision as of 18:25, 9 January 2024

Original Editors - Karsten De Koster

Top Contributors - Karsten De Koster, Claudia Karina, Nick Van Doorsselaer, Alex Palmer, Lucinda hampton, Admin, Kenza Mostaqim, Arno Van Hemelryck, Luna Antonis, Kim Jackson, Bieke Bardyn, Sally Ngo, WikiSysop, Wanda van Niekerk, Naomi O'Reilly, Fitz Van Roy, 127.0.0.1, Claire Knott, Venus Pagare, Chelsea Mclene, Daniele Barilla and Kai A. Sigel  

Introduction[edit | edit source]

Pain generally in the inner and lower 2/3rds of tibia.

Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS) is a common overuse injury of the lower extremity. It typically occurs in runners and other athletes that are exposed to intensive weight-bearing activities such as jumpers[1]. It presents as exercise-induced pain over the anterior tibia and is an early stress injury in the continuum of tibial stress fractures.[2].

It has the layman's moniker of “shin splints.”[2]

Epidemiology[edit | edit source]

Risk factor- quick increase in running volume

The incidence of MTSS ranges between 13.6% to 20% in runners and up to 35% in military recruits. In dancers it is present in 20% of the population and up to 35% of the new recruits of runners and dancers will develop it.[3]

Large increase in load, volume and high impact exercise can put at risk individuals to MTSS.  Risk factors include being a female, previous history of MTSS, high BMI, navicular drop, reduced hip external rotation range of motion, muscle imbalance and inflexibility of the triceps surae), muscle weakness of the triceps surae (prone to muscle fatigue leading to altered running mechanics, and strain on the tibia), running on a hard or uneven surface and bad running shoes [2][4] [5] 

Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]

Periosteum, vivid green

The pathophysiologic process resulting in MTSS is related to unrepaired microdamage accumulation in the cortical bone of the distal tibia, however this has not been definitively established. Two current theories are:

  1. The pain is secondary to inflammation of the periosteum as a result of excessive traction of the tibialis posterior or soleus, supported by bone scintigraphy findings of a broad linear band of increased uptake along the medial tibial periosteum. But a case-controlled ultrasound based study which compared periosteal and tendinous edema of athletes with and without medial tibial stress syndrome found no difference between the groups.
  2. Bony overload injury, with resultant microdamage and targeted remodeling. A study evaluating tibia biopsy specimens from the painful area of six athletes suffering from medial tibial stress syndrome gave only equivocal support for this theory. Linear microcracks were found in only three specimens and there was no associated repair reaction[6].

Clinical Presentation and Assessment[edit | edit source]

KEY POINTS FOR ASSESSMENT MTSS[3]
HISTORY
  • Increasing pain during exercise related to the medial tibial border in the middle and lower third
  • Pain persists for hours or days after cessation of activity
  • Pain decreases with running (early stage)
  • Differentiate from exertional compartment syndrome, for which pain increases with running
  • Earlier onset of pain with more frequent training (later stages)
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
  • Intensive tenderness of the involved medial tibial border, more than 5 cm
  • Pes planus
  • Tight Achilles tendon
  • A "one-leg hop test" is a functional test, that can be used to distinguish between medial tibial stress syndrome and a stress fracture: a patient with medial tibial stress syndrome can hop at least 10 times on the affected leg where a patient with a stress fracture cannot hop without severe pain. The sensitivity of the hop test for diagnosing medial tibial stress fracture when pain and tenderness were present was 100%, the specificity 45%, the positive predictive value 74%, and the negative predictive value 100%
  • Provocative test: pain on resisted plantar flexion
IMAGING MRI: Periosteal reaction and edema
TREATMENT See later in page

[7][8][4][3][6]

Watch this video on MTSS.

Management[edit | edit source]

Navicular drop test

Management of MTSS is conservative, focusing on rest and activity modification with less repetitive, load-bearing exercise. No specific recommendations on the duration of rest required for resolution of symptoms, and it is likely variable depending on the individual.

Other therapies available (with low-quality evidence) include iontophoresis, phonophoresis, ice massage, ultrasound therapy, periosteal pecking, and extracorporeal shockwave therapy. A recent study on naval recruits showed prefabricated Introduction to Orthotics reduced MTSS[2].

Complications: Recurrence common after resumption of heavy activity.[9]

Physical Therapy Management[edit | edit source]

Patient education and a graded loading exposure program seem the most logical treatments.[7] Conservative therapy should initially aim to correct functional gait, and biomechanical overload factors.[3]Recently ‘running retraining’ has been advocated as a promising treatment strategy and graded running programme has been suggested as a gradual tissue-loading intervention.[3]

Prevention of MTSS was investigated in few studies and shock-absorbing insoles, pronation control insoles, and graduated running programs were advocated.[3]

Over-stress avoidance is the main preventive measure of MTSS or shin-splints. The main goals of shin-splints treatment are pain relieve and return to pain‑free activities.[10]

Acute phase[edit | edit source]

2-6 weeks of rest combined with medication is recommended to improve the symptoms and for a quick and safe return after a period of rest. NSAIDs and Acetaminophen are often used for analgesia. Also cryotherapy with Ice-packs and eventually analgesic gels can be used after exercise for a period of 20 minutes.

  • There are a number of physical therapy modalities to use in the acute phase but there is no proof that these therapies such as ultrasound, soft tissue mobilization, electrical stimulation[11] would be effective.[4] A corticoid injection is contraindicated because this can give a worse sense of health. Because the healthy tissue is also treated. A corticoid injection is given to reduce the pain, but only in connection with rest.[5]
  • Prolonged rest is not ideal for an athlete.

Subacute phase[edit | edit source]

The treatment should aim to modify training conditions and to address eventual biomechanical abnormalities. Change of training conditions could be decreased running distance, intensity and frequency and intensity by 50%. It is advised to avoid hills and uneven surfaces.

  • During the rehabilitation period the patient can do low impact and cross-training exercises (like running on a hydro-gym machine). After a few weeks athletes may slowly increase training intensity and duration and add sport-specific activities, and hill running to their rehabilitation program as long as they remain pain-free.
  • A stretching and strengthening (eccentric) calf exercise program can be introduced to prevent muscle fatigue. [12][13][14] Patients may also benefit from strengthening core hip muscles. Developing core stability with strong abdominal, gluteal, and hip muscles can improve running mechanics and prevent lower-extremity overuse injuries. [14]
  • Proprioceptive balance training is crucial in neuromuscular education. This can be done with a one-legged stand or balance board. Improved proprioception will increase the efficiency of joint and postural-stabilizing muscles and help the body react to running surface incongruities, also key in preventing re-injury.[14]
  • Choosing good shoes with good shock absorption can help to prevent a new or re-injury. Therefore it is important to change the athlete's shoes every 250-500 miles, a distance at which most shoes lose up to 40% of their shock-absorbing capabilities.
    In case of biomechanical problems of the foot, individuals may benefit from Introduction to Orthotics. An over-the-counter orthosis (flexible or semi-rigid) can help with excessive foot pronation and pes planus. A cast or a pneumatic brace can be necessary in severe cases.[4]
  • Manual therapy can be used to control several biomechanical abnormalities of the spine, sacro-illiacal joint and various muscle imbalances. They are often used to prevent relapsing to the old injury.
  • There is also acupuncture, ultrasound therapy injections and extracorporeal shock-wave therapy but their efficiency is not yet proved.

Differential Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Condition Characteristics Tissue origin
Anterior tibial stress syndrome Vague, diffuse pain along anterolateral tibia, worse at beginning of exercise that decreases during training Periosteum
Medial tibial stress syndrome Vague, diffuse pain along middle-distal tibia, worse at beginning of exercise, that decreases during training
Tibial/fibular stress fracture Pain with running, point tenderness over fracture site, "dreaded black line" on lateral x-ray Bone
Exertional compartment syndrome Symptoms begin 10min into exercise andresolve 30min after exercise, sensory or motor loss, elevated anterior compartment pressures Muscle and fascia
Leg Tendinopathy May be Achilles tendon, peroneal tendon, or tibialis posterior Tendon
Sural or SPN entrapment Dermatomal distribution of symptoms Nerve
Lumbar radiculopathy Worse with lumbar tension position (sitting)
Popliteal artery entrapment Diagnosed with vascular studies Blood vessel

[9]

Clinical Bottom Line[edit | edit source]

‘Shin splints’ is a vague term that implicates pain and discomfort in the lower leg, caused by repetitive loading stress. There can be all sorts of causes to this pathology according to different researches. Therefore, a good knowledge of the anatomy is always important, but it’s also important you know the other disorders of the lower leg to rule out other possibilities, which makes it easier to understand what’s going wrong. Also a detailed screening of known’s risk factors, intrinsic as well as extrinsic, to recognize factors that could add to the cause of the condition and address these problems.

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Radiopedia Medial tibial stress syndrome Available: https://radiopaedia.org/articles/medial-tibial-stress-syndrome-1(accessed 2.6.2022)
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 McClure CJ, Oh R. Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome. 2019 Available:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538479/ (accessed 2.6.2022)
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 Lohrer, H., Malliaropoulos, N., Korakakis, V., & Padhiar, N. Exercise-induced leg pain in athletes: diagnostic, assessment, and management strategies. The Physician and sports medicine. 2018
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Galbraith, R. M., & Lavallee, M. E. Medial tibial stress syndrome: conservative treatment options. Current reviews in musculoskeletal medicine. 2009; 2(3): 127-133.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Broos P. Sportletsels : aan het locomotorisch apparaat. Leuven: Garant, 1991. (Level of Evidence: 5)
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Milgrom C, Zloczower E, Fleischmann C, Spitzer E, Landau R, Bader T, Finestone AS. Medial tibial stress fracture diagnosis and treatment guidelines. Journal of science and medicine in sport. 2021 Jun 1;24(6):526-30. (accessed 2.6.2022)
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Winters, M. Medial tibial stress syndrome: diagnosis, treatment and outcome assessment (PhD Academy Award). Br J Sports Med. 2018
  8. ↑ Thacker, S. B., Gilchrist, J., Stroup, D. F., & Kimsey, C. D. The prevention of shin splints in sports: a systematic review of literature. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 2002; 34(1): 32-40.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Ortho bullets Tibial Stress Syndrome (Shin Splints) Available: https://www.orthobullets.com/knee-and-sports/3108/tibial-stress-syndrome-shin-splints(accessed 2.6.2022)
  10. ↑ Alfayez, S. M., Ahmed, M. L., & Alomar, A. Z. A review article of medial tibial stress syndrome. Journal of Musculoskeletal Surgery and Research. 2017; 1(1): 2. (Level of Evidence: 4)
  11. ↑ Beck B. Tibial stress injuries: an aetiological review for the purposes of guiding management. Sports Medicine. 1998; 26(4):265-279.
  12. ↑ Dugan S, Weber K. Stress fracture and rehabilitation. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2007;18(3):401–416. (Level of evidence 3A)
  13. ↑ Couture C, Karlson K. Tibial stress injuries: decisive diagnosis and treatment of ‘shin splints’. Phys Sportsmed. 2002;30(6):29–36.(Level of Evidence: 3a)
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 DeLee J, Drez D, Miller M. DeLee and Drez’s orthopaedic sports medicine principles and practice. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders. 2003:2155–2159.(Level of Evidence: 5)
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