How to Identify Shin Splints and the A.M.I.T. Solution

Shin splints, also called medial tibial stress syndrome, is pain along the inner edge of the shinbone that comes on with exercise. It is one of the most common lower leg injuries in runners and is usually set off by a sudden increase in training, improper running shoes, poor running form, or a combination of these.

Because shin splints come from overuse, standard care includes several weeks of rest from the activity that caused the pain. The muscles that attach along the shinbone and control the arch of the foot decide how much stress reaches the bone once you go back.

Shin splints refer to pain along or just behind the shinbone (tibia), the large bone at the front of the leg. This is one of the non-surgical hip and knee treatment AMIT addresses by restoring proper muscle activation instead of relying on surgery.

This common condition affects athletes and individuals engaged in physical activities and can be caused by overuse or strain on the muscles surrounding the shin.

On This Page:

• Types of Shin Splints: Anterior vs. Posterior

• Causes of Shin Splints

• Symptoms of Shin Splints

• Shin Splints vs. Stress Fracture vs. Compartment Syndrome

• A.M.I.T. Treatment for Shin Splints

Types of Shin Splints: Anterior vs. Posterior

• Shin splints are generally divided into two categories: anterior and posterior shin splints, each with different causes and affected muscles.

• Anterior Shin Splints: These typically involve the tibialis anterior muscle and occur along the front of the shin. They can be further classified into:

• Tibialis Anterior Syndrome: A condition where the tibialis anterior muscle becomes strained.

• Anterior Compartment Syndrome: A more severe condition where the muscles in the front of the leg are compressed, leading to increased pressure and pain.

• Posterior Shin Splints: These occur along the inner side of the shinbone and affect the muscles that support the foot’s arch. Types include:

• Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome: Inflammation of the muscles along the inner side of the shin.

• Posterior Tibial Syndrome: Pain related to the posterior tibial muscle, which supports the foot’s arch.

• Posterior Compartment Syndrome: Compression of the muscles in the back of the leg, causing pain and dysfunction.

Causes of Shin Splints

Shin splints are often the result of repetitive stress on the shinbone and surrounding muscles. Common causes include:

• Overuse and Overload: Excessive force on the shinbone and connective tissues, particularly in high-impact sports or activities.

• Running on Hard or Uneven Surfaces: Downhill running or running on slanted or uneven surfaces can strain the shin.

• Inadequate Footwear: Wearing worn-out shoes or improper footwear can fail to provide sufficient support.

• Training Errors: Sudden increases in activity level or improper training techniques, such as poor warm-ups or stretching.

Symptoms of Shin Splints

If you experience any of the following symptoms, it may indicate shin splints:

• Tenderness and Soreness: Pain along the inner part of the lower leg.

• Swelling: Mild swelling may occur in the lower leg area.

• Persistent or Worsening Pain: Pain can intensify and become chronic without proper treatment, impacting mobility and performance.

The pain most often runs along the inside border of the tibia, and the most common finding on exam is tenderness along that border.

Shin Splints vs. Stress Fracture vs. Compartment Syndrome

Several conditions cause shin pain, and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends ruling them out when shin splints do not respond to treatment:

• Shin splints: Pain and tenderness along the inner border of the shinbone from overuse.

• Stress fracture: One or more small cracks in the tibia caused by stress and overuse. A bone scan or MRI will often show it.

• Chronic exertional compartment syndrome: Pressure inside the leg muscles builds to dangerous levels during exercise. Pain usually goes away soon after the activity stops, and the diagnosis is made by measuring pressure in the leg before and after exercise.

Tendinitis of the tendons in the lower leg can also cause similar pain. Pain at the back of the lower leg, just above the heel, points more to Achilles tendinitis.

A.M.I.T. Treatment for Shin Splints

What Happens During Shin Splints?

Shin splints occur when the muscles attaching to the shinbone or interosseous membrane become inhibited, inflamed, and unable to function correctly. This muscle dysfunction leads to a lack of control over foot movements, specifically the arch of the foot, which can result in overpronation (excessive inward rolling of the foot). Over time, this causes increased torque on the interosseous membrane and periosteum (the tissue covering the bone), leading to pain and dysfunction.

How Does A.M.I.T. Help?

The Advanced Muscle Integration Technique (A.M.I.T.) focuses on reactivating the inhibited muscles, including the tibialis anterior, tibialis posterior, and other key muscles around the shin. By restoring proper neurological function to these muscles, A.M.I.T. helps control the foot’s arch and stabilize the shinbone, preventing overpronation and reducing the stress that leads to shin splints.

A.M.I.T. also accelerates recovery by promoting proper muscle contraction and relaxation, which are essential for controlling the concentric and eccentric movements of the foot.

On a first visit we test the tibialis anterior, tibialis posterior, calf, and arch muscles one at a time, check how your arch holds up when you stand and step, and ask about recent changes in training and shoes. If a stress fracture is possible, we refer you for imaging first. The visit takes about 40 minutes; what to expect explains how to prepare.

Steps to Take If You Have Shin Splints

1. Compress: Wrap the affected area to reduce swelling.

Contact an A.M.I.T. Clinic: Advanced Muscle Integration Technique Clinic in Salt Lake City, UT. We offer specialized treatment to address the root cause of shin splints and prevent future occurrences. Contact us today to schedule a consultation 801.544.2355

1. Don’t take anti-inflammatants: Inflammation is necessary to heal. Antiinflammatants like ibuprofen, Motrin, and cortisone injections slow down the healing process

2. Modify Activity: Avoid high-impact activities like running until symptoms subside.

3. Rehabilitation: Following AMIT treatment, our team will guide you through strengthening and flexibility exercises to restore proper muscle function. This could include other therapies such as Soft Wave and/or PEMF.

Why Choose A.M.I.T. for Shin Splints?

• Non-Invasive Treatment: A.M.I.T. restores proper muscle function without the need for invasive procedures.

• Faster Recovery: By addressing the root cause of the problem, A.M.I.T. speeds up recovery and helps prevent future injuries.

• Long-Term Solutions: AMIT treats the symptoms of shin splints and focuses on preventing reoccurrence by improving muscle coordination and foot mechanics.

If you're experiencing shin splints, contact Advanced Muscle Integration Clinic in Salt Lake City, UT for professional, effective treatment using A.M.I.T. Let our experts help you return to your activities pain-free.

• Our Guarantee: A.M.I.T. will identify the source of your shin splint pain, correct it, and re-establish pain-free function.

Call us today at 801.544.2355, or book an online consultation appointment.

Shin Splints Treatment in Draper and Kaysville

AMIT Clinics treats shin splints at both Utah locations: Draper, at 12371 S 900 E Unit 101, and Kaysville, at 447 North 300 West Ste 5. We see cross-country and track athletes, new runners, and people training for their first race. Arch problems that cause shin splints can also lead to plantar fasciitis, and our youth sports injury prevention guide covers early-season warning signs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shin Splints

Call 801.544.2355 to be seen.