Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome

One of the most common injuries that occurs among running and jumping athletes...

Medial tibial stress syndrome also been called "shin splints" is the most common injury in the legs of active individuals. Females are more commonly affected, along with 22 percent of all injuries in aerobic dancers. Anyone participating in running or jumping acitvites are likely to develop this stress syndrome.

The pain from MTSS only occurs during the activity (running) with the pain diminshing rapidly within five minutes of activity cessation. If the pain persists during walking activites the suspicion for a stress fracture is high. Most common side effects are diffuse pain and tenderness that occur along the distal aspect of the medial tibial border (inside along the ankle bone)

How is MTSS diagnosed?

Most physicians will start with x-rays but most of the time they will get an MRI which is more specific test and has the abilty to diagnose the injured athlete.

How do I treat MTSS?

After the diagnosis has been made of MTSS, ice should be applied for 20 minutes multiple times a day. Activites should be reduced, patients should focus on exercising on softer surfaces, and wear appropriate shoe gear at all times. Custom foot orthotics are recommended for the vast majority of these patients. Orthotics are able to shift the ground force; as well as reduce subtalar pronation which helps reduce the bending motion of the tibia (which is why we get MTSS in the first place)

Understanding the disease is the key to getting an athlete back to their activites as soon as possible. If you think that your symptoms sound like these make an appointment with your podiatrist.