Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome
Our physios here at move physio pilates discuss medial tibial stress syndrome and how to better understand your symptoms.
What is it?
This is an umbrella term for shin pain and is commonly seen in running based sports. Symptoms are very varied in severity, ranging from general inflammation around the shin right up to a stress fracture - the treatment options vary accordingly.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms are typically aggravated by running, hopping and in more severe cases, walking. More severe stress (e.g. a fracture) will present in a more localized way - pain might be spread over 1-2 fingers. If your symptoms are more general (e.g. 5 fingers worth) - it is more likely general inflammation. If your pain is localized then we recommend you get an MRI to confirm.
Why might it occur?
Like most running related injuries, this is an overuse injury (an injury that occurs when you ask your body to absorb more load than it is ready to handle). Typically onset of symptoms can be associated with an increase in load, volume or intensity. You may also be more at risk if;
You are female
If your BMI increases
If you are a novice runner
If you have a collapsing arch
What are my treatment options?
Treatment will vary depending on the severity - occasionally it will need complete rest but most of the time we can keep you moving by reducing the load and allowing adequate recovery between sessions.
Our recommendation for the fastest possible recovery is to start with a pain free loading program, this program will be determined by a physio who will complete a biomechanical assessment and prescribe the most appropriate strength exercises.
Rest is not rehab and we always aim to keep you moving in the most healthy way possible.
Prevention
To reduce the risk of all overuse injuries - you should ensure you are following a program that allows for adequate recovery between sessions and a program that is set by a run coach, physio or appropriate health and fitness professional.
HOT TIP; when running, aiming for a cadence of about 174 has been shown to reduce prevalence of medial tibial stress syndrome.
Finally, if you find that your lower legs are typically susceptible to injuries or niggles, we would love to work with you on keeping these strong and more injury proof.