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SHIN SPLINTS. (Shin Pain)  Shin Splints is a common term for pain or inflammation in the front and / or inside section of the tibia. The patient will complain of tightness / tenderness and sometimes throbbing pain along the the tibia that comes on with a specific activity (especially running) and often settles upon resting. Often, it will start like a dull ache but quickly becomes sharper and more aggravated. Anterior tibial stress is often experienced by new runners or walkers when pain occurs in the anterior muscles of the shin during exercise. Posterior shin splints (medial tibial pain) is a more chronic condition occurring along the inside edge of the tibia and generally occurs with over-use related sports. Both conditions are related to excess stretching (traction) of soft tissue structures along the shin bones (tibia and fibula). Excessive subtalar joint pronation and internal tibial rotation increase the medial tractional forces upon the deep flexors and extensors of the leg. This is a common factor in muscular overuse conditions and commonly exhibits secondary periosteal swelling due to tractional forces placed upon the soft tissue structures on the tibia and fibula. Treatment of this condition initially involves rest, ice therapy, anti-inflammatory medications and taping. Soft tissue therapy and stretching and strengthening exercises will help loosen the tight structures. In conjunction to these treatments, Sports control orthotics are the most effective means of treating this condition. Exercises: Stretching & strengthening of tibial muscles - sit on a chair and loop a weight around the ankle. Keep the leg straight and lift the foot up and down from the ankle. Calf muscle stretching.    TEL: +44 (0)1294 550099 Monday to Friday 9.30am - 5pm GMT