Are Shin Splints Holding You Back?
Both weekend warriors and high-performance athletes will agree that nothing beats the mental and physical rewards of being active. At the same time, sports bring the possibility of injuries. For athletes who run long distances or jump constantly, shin splints are a common complaint. Shin splints account for up to 19% of sports injuries. In severe cases, the injury can benefit from fasciotomy surgery.
What are shin splints?
Shin splints, also called medial tibial stress syndrome, are dull, deep, throbbing pain in the lower tibia. The pain mainly happens at the front of the shin. However, some athletes feel pain on the sides of the leg as well. With shin splints, the muscles and tendons can rub on the bone and fascia. Fascia is the thin connective tissue that wraps around muscles and contains nerve endings that become inflamed. The bones and muscles also respond to stress with inflammation. Most shin splints happen due to overuse injuries, which commonly occur with activities like long-distance running and jumping.
Treating your splints
Some of the common symptoms include swelling, tenderness, and soreness. The pain can happen at the start of physical activity and continue well after the sport is over. Most shin splints are due to physical activity, so rest and ice can help with the swelling. Other treatment methods include compression bandages, anti-inflammatory medication, and massage therapy. In rare cases when the pain is chronic, a doctor will need to provide a long-term solution.
Turning to fasciotomy
If the treatment fails and the shin splint continually affects performance, the doctor may recommend a fasciotomy. A fasciotomy happens in very rare cases after a complete diagnosis from the surgeon. Many doctors suspect that the fascia does not expand with the growing leg muscles of athletes, causing inflammation. Repetitive stress can even damage the fascia. The goal of surgery is to strip away the tissue in strategic places to reduce the chances of irritation and pain.
Open or minimally invasive?
Based on the degree of inflammation, fasciotomies can be open surgeries. The surgeon will make an incision several inches long on the side of the lower leg. After moving the skin, muscle, and fat, the surgeon can remove parts of the fascia. Open surgeries require lengthy recovery times and open the possibility of infection. Minimally invasive techniques are becoming more popular. The surgeon uses 2-3 buttonhole incisions and an arthroscope to view the affected area. From there, small tools cut away the fascia or periosteum layer. Minimally invasive surgery boasts a shorter recovery time and reduced chances of infections. The doctor will choose the correct procedure based on the damage and availability of techniques.
Does surgery for shin splints work?
Fasciotomy only happens in rare occurrences. The surgeon will only suggest surgery if there is a chance of a more severe illness or if the injury does not respond to other treatment. That said, statistics suggest that fasciotomy can have up to a 90% success rate. Most athletes report reduced pain, swelling, and more effortless performance. However, the reoccurrence rates can be high since athletes will continue to perform at high levels. Speak with the surgeon for advice on the possible risks and tips to reduce shin splints.
Don’t let shin splints hold you back
For many athletes that run and jump for several hours at a time, shin splints seem inevitable. The pain and swelling can limit performance. Start by taking preventative methods and dealing with the pain after playing sports. If the pain appears chronic, speak with a doctor about the possibility of treatment via fasciotomy today.
