Welcome to our health column penned by Dr. Zingisa Nyawose, a Biokineticist based in Durban.
While shin splints and lower leg stress fractures are both overuse injuries that cause pain in the lower leg, it is important to identify which condition you may be suffering from, as different management methods may be required.
Shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome, are usually characterised by a more widespread tenderness, commonly located on the lower half of the tibia. The pain is typically not felt at rest; it may be noticeable at the start of running but usually improves and warms up during activity, although discomfort might persist afterwards.
This condition results from overuse of the soft tissues (e.g. muscles and tendons) or inflammation of the bone. If shin splints are left untreated, they can develop into a stress fracture.
Stress fractures, on the other hand, are cracks in the bone caused by muscles that are too fatigued to absorb the shock, thus impacting the bone. This injury is typically characterised by pain in a specific area rather than widespread discomfort in the lower leg. Pain may be experienced during exercise as well as at rest.
A healthcare professional can conduct a detailed examination to determine which condition you might be suffering from, and can provide further advice on the appropriate treatment.
Dr. Zingisa Nyawose is a Biokineticist based in Durban Central and can be contacted at [email protected] for assistance with musculoskeletal injuries. For further contact information, visit www.mpwrhealth.co.za.
To find out more about Biokinetics or to locate a Biokineticist near you, visit www.biokineticssa.org.za.