Shin splints and Achilles tendonitis causes, symptoms and treatment aids
Causes of shin splints
Ever wondered why Premier League football players are on the injured list because of calf and shin injuries?
At PhysioRoom.com their fully qualified medical professionals, who are experienced in the treatment of elite athletes, go behind the injury headlines and provide in depth explanations of the injuries sustained by athletes.
With De Laet (Manchester United), Gallas (Tottenham Hotspur), Collins (Aston Villa), Cahill (Everton), and Maloney (Wigan Athletic) currently of the injured list, PhysioRoom.com explain some common calf and shin injuries - Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome, Achilles Tendinopathy and a pulled calf.
Shin Splints is a catch all term for shin pain that is common during running. Sports medicine experts tend not to use the term Shin Splints, preferring Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome instead, as it more accurately describes the problem.
People suffering from Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome will feel pain on the inner border of the shin (medial Tibial border) during and following exercise. It is important to distinguish Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome from other causes of shin pain ('shin splints') such as Compartment Syndrome or a Stress Fracture. This can require a complex run through of investigations, such as bone scans and compartment pressure tests under the supervision of a sports medicine or orthopaedic doctor.
Most patients with Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome respond to non-operative treatment. Ice Packs are effective at relieving shin pain. Arch Supporting Orthotics (Insoles) and Shock Absorbing Insoles can also help to remedy this problem.
Shin splints symptoms
- Shin pain that comes on gradually
- Pain on the inner border of the shin
- At first the shin pain eases with activity, but aches afterwards
What is Achilles tendonitis?
Achilles Tendonitis, or to be medically correct 'Achilles Tendinopathy' is an overuse injury that affects the Achilles Tendon. Achilles Tendinopathy is usually characterised by degeneration of the Achilles Tendon (situated above the heel to form the lower part of the calf muscles), which can be confirmed following Achilles Tendon surgery. Achilles Tendinosis is a breakdown in the Achilles Tendon, with small, focal lesions within the tendon without an inflammatory response. This degeneration means that the Achilles Tendon does not possess its normal tensile strength and may be liable to rupture with continued sporting activity.
Achilles Tendinopathy is not an inflammatory condition so the use of anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs) is not appropriate. Ice packs can relieve pain but the key to recovering from Achilles Tendinopathy is in trying to elicit healing without overloading the tendon.
Published research has suggested that recovery is optimised by using a very gradually progressed strengthening programme for the Achilles Tendon and calf muscles under the supervision of a physiotherapist. These exercises cause the Achilles Tendon to adapt and get stronger. An Achilles Strap can relieve the symptoms of Achilles Tendonitis and Shock Absorbing Insoles can also reduce stress on the Achilles Tendon.
Achilles tendonitis symptoms
- A pain in the Achilles Tendon that comes on gradually
- At first Achilles Tendon pain is worse following activity
- Achilles Tendon pain becomes present during activity as the condition worsens
Causes of calf strain injuries, calf muscle pain and calf injury treatment
A calf muscle strain injury is common in sports that involve running and jumping. Calf injuries are also known as a 'pulled calf'. The term 'pulled calf muscle' comes from the description of how the injury takes place. Usually the calf muscle is forcibly stretched beyond its limits and the muscle tissue becomes torn. A tear in the calf muscle is referred to as a calf strain and depending on its severity it is classified as a first, second or third degree strain.
With a grade one calf strain there is a sensation of cramp or tightness, and a slight feeling of pain when the muscles are stretched or contracted. A grade two calf strain produces more immediate and severe pain; the calf is sore to touch and there will be bruising below the injury site after a few days. With a grade three calf strain the patient is unable to move without pain, and there may be a bulge of soft tissue through the muscle layer.
Early calf injury treatment consists of the RICE protocol - rest, ice, compression and elevation (never apply ice directly to the skin). Depending upon the severity of the injury, the leg must be rested from sporting activity for between several weeks and several months. Supervised rehabilitation with a physiotherapist is very important to prevent a recurrent calf muscle injury. Many people find that a calf support is useful following a calf muscle injury.
Calf muscle pain and calf strain symptoms
- A sudden sharp pain in the calf muscle
- Pain when stretching the calf muscle
- Calf pain when standing on tip toes
Shin splints treatment and calf muscle pain treatment products
You can find more information about the prevention and rehabilitation of sports injuries and view physiotherapist recommended products at PhysioRoom.com. Why not check out our English Premier League Injury Table detailing up to date injury information.
PhysioRoom.com endeavour to provide you with the highest quality of service in the most responsible manner. We must therefore stress that articles are provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical care or treatment by a qualified practitioner.