Massage Therapy & Bodywork	Aromatherapy & Essential Oils	A-Z of Sports Injuries	Massage Article Archive

Shin Splints

This condition, otherwise known as medial tibial stress syndrome, is particularly comon in long distance runners who subject themselves to intensive training sessions on hard tracks or roads. The pain is felt along the medial side of the tibia (shin) particularly in the lower half of the tibia. There is some swelling and the meidial border of the tibia is tender.

Shin Splint Treatment

'Shin splints' can develop after acute overuse or impact trauma. Administer treatment immediately to avoid a chronic condition, Stop training straight away and have complete rest. Do not resume training until there is no more tenderness. Apply ice packs to reduce the inflammation and pain. Aromatherapy could compress with six drops of Roman chamomile will also relieve the inflammation. After 48 hours apply alternating hot and cold compresses using three drops of lavender.

After the inflammation has subsided massage the whole of the lower leg and foot. Pain from the shin splints is triggered when the toes or ankle joint are bent downwards. Effleurage the entire lower leg and apply friction along the medial border of the tibia to help to break down adhesions. Perform picking up, rolling and wringing movements over the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles at the back of the calf. Effleurage the foot and mobilize the ankle. There will be an excellent response to the treatment if massage is administered on a daily basis.

If the condition persists consult a qualified medical practitioner who may want to take an X-ray. There may be a stress fracture.

To avoid medial tibial stress syndrome choose well fitting running shoes to suit the surface. The muscles should be thoroughly warmed up and stretched before a run and the legs should be massaged regularly on a weekly basis.