Physical injuries due to overuse are also referred to as cumulative trauma disorders or repetitive strain injuries. They are characterized by the overuse of a particular body part. Examples include carpal tunnel syndrome and wrist tendonitis in the hands and wrists, tennis, golfer's, or nursemaid's elbow, impingement syndrome in the shoulder, hip bursitis or snapping hip syndrome, stress fractures, shin splints, and chondromalacia in the lower leg, and Achilles tendonitis and posterior tibial tendonitis in the ankles and feet.

Shin splints cause pain in the front of the outer lower leg below the knee. The exact cause of pain is not known, but it seems to result from inflammation to the tendon and adjacent tissues in the lower leg. Shin splints occur most often in runners and aggressive walkers.

Pain associated with shin splints is often noticed at the beginning of a workout, diminishes and returns at greater intensity later in the workout. The pain early on is described as dull but can become so intense as to cause the athlete to discontinue workouts altogether.

A primary cause of shin splints appears to be a sudden increase in the distance or intensity of a workout. The tendons that attach the muscles involved in the lifting of the foot to the tibia become inflamed causing pain. A tendency to roll the foot inward, called pronation, can increase likelihood of shin splints. A tight Achilles tendon and weak ankle muscles are also often linked to shin splints.

Treatment is multi-faceted. Rest from running is required, but alternative workouts such as stationary bicycle or running in a swimming pool are used to maintain cardiovascular fitness. Ice is used to reduce inflammation. Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen are used to reduce inflammation. Compression with a calf sleeve or elastic bandage after the acute inflammatory stage helps reduce discomfort by retaining heat and blood flow to the area. Ankle taping for support can help with weak ankle tissues. Calf and anterior leg stretching and strengthening help to address biomechanical problems such as tight Achilles tendon and weak ankles. Shoe selection is very important and based upon foot type, pronator or supinator, as determined by gait analysis. In certain instances, orthotic shoe inserts may be necessary to compensate for foot type. Usually about 2 weeks of rest is required to relieve pain. When symptoms have resolved, running should begin on soft, level terrain only. Distance and intensity should be only half of what it was when the pain began. A gradual increase in distance over 3 to 6 weeks can begin. Only after distance is equaled should pace be increased. As with all overuse injuries, the degree of injury prior to rehabilitation plays a big role in determining the time frame for recovery.

Reference: http://www.medicinenet.com/shin_splints/page2.htm, http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/front/lowerleg/shinsplints.htm.

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