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Kim Beggs, LAT | February 23, 2017 | 0 Comments | Sports Medicine |
Spring is here! With the change of seasons comes a change in high school sports. Local high schools will be beginning their spring sports in the upcoming weeks. As a Licensed Athletic Trainer, I see a lot of athletes in the spring with medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) or better known as shin splints. Shin splints are most common in track and field and cross country, but are also seen in other sports such as soccer and basketball.
Shin splints are micro traumatic injuries to the soft tissue of the lower leg. These micro traumatic injuries are caused by increased stress due to repetitive movements. The increased stress applied to the lower leg can cause micro tears in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Pain typically presents along the lower 2/3 of the inside (medial) portion of the tibia (shin bone). The pain can begin as a dull aching pain and progress to a more severe pain which worsens with activity.
It is important to properly care for shin splints if they occur. Shin splints can become a debilitating injury if not treated correctly. If shin splints go untreated, they can progress into stress fractures. The severity of shin splints determines how long they take to heal. Some people are able to return to their normal activity within a few weeks while others can take several months. However, if you follow the above tips on how to prevent and how to care for shin splints you should have a healthy season.
For more information on shin splints you can contact a Licensed Athletic Trainer at the Fort Healthcare Therapy and Sport Center at 920-563-9357 or call the sports medicine information line at 920-568-6560.