The Sports Doctor talks about shin pain

• Reprints

Updated: February 13, 2012 12:37PM

Summer is here, and many people are running, and school athletes are training hard — that’s when shin pain raises its ugly head. The commonly used term is shin splints.

Shin splints is not a medical term, but it’s the one everyone uses. The problem is shin pain can be one of three of four different medical conditions. Muscle soreness, tendonitis, stress fracture or compartment pressure are all possible causes of shin pain. These problems usually are on the front, inside or outside of the lower leg calf muscle and Achilles tendon on the back of the lower leg and aren’t considered shin splint areas.

Almost anyone running or jumping can be susceptible to shin pain. Usually doing too much too soon, or increasing intensity of running activities on hard dry ground, or hard surface conditions can cause discomfort. Backing off somewhat, usually some ice massage or ice packs, also sometimes heat when indicated, can help the problem. If these don’t help, then a proper specific diagnosis is important. X-rays and MRI tests might be necessary to rule out a stress fracture.

Young growing bodies moving from middle school sports to high school might be doing twice the amount and intensity. If pain persists, get it evaluated. Often “intelligent rest” is needed.

What’s interesting is that almost all persistent shin problems are foot related. Both pronated flat feet and the other extreme, high arches, can be foot types that aggravate and perpetuate if not cause shin splint-type conditions. If the complaint is “every time my son or daughter gets really into the sports season their shin splints return” then check out the foot mechanics.

The shin muscles and tendons act as “the brakes” to slow down the foot, ankle and lower leg coming down from a jump or hitting the ground running. If the proper stability and alignment of the foot is off, then those lower leg muscles and tendons are overused or bones are stressed. Shin splints are common in all ages in all running, jumping activities — one of the often-referred to overuse injuries. Prescription in-shoe orthotics are helpful when foot mechanics are involved. Again, most persistent and resistant shin problems are foot related. Treatments often include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medicine and strengthening exercises.

Being in the proper shoes is always important. Knowing the foot type, especially in running, is also important. Sports-related podiatrists, therapists, trainers and a competent running shoe store all can identify foot types. You’d be surprised how many athletes at all levels are not in properly fit shoes. Get measured.

Dr. Robert Weil is a sports podiatrist from Naperville with an office in Aurora. You can hear him on his weekly radio show at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays on 90.9-FM. Contact him at drrweilsportsdoctor@yahoo.com and visit his Web site at sportsdoctorradio.com.