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| Head |
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| Chest |
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| Shoulder |
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| Hand, Arm, and Elbow |
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| Back |
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| Buttocks |
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| Hip/Torso |
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| Thigh/Knee |
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 | Shin |
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| Heel, Foot, and Ankle |
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The purpose of the following is to provide the reader with information regarding treatment of minor medical issues. The purpose is not to provide medical advice and is not meant to circumvent the need for diagnosis and treatment of medical problems by trained medical professionals. Many more serious medical problems may only be capable of diagnosis by these trained professionals.
Cause: Shin splints are most commonly caused by continuous pounding on a hard surface during activities such as running, basketball, and tennis. They can also occur when you increase the intensity of your training too quickly.
Prevention: If you decide to increase the intensity of your training, do so gradually. Talk to an expert to determine if you are wearing the correct type of shoes. Cross-train with a low-impact sport like swimming to reduce the stress on your shins.
Treatment: Use compression while applying an ice pack to the injured area. Elevate the affected area as often as possible. Take anti-inflammatory medicine such as Advil, Aleve, or Motrin to reduce inflammation. Make sure to follow the directions on the bottle and check with your doctor before taking any new medications. Ask your doctor if you can participate in low-impact sports while you heal. If the pain does not subside or if you experience other symptoms, seek medical attention.
Imaging: MRI or bone scan may be done to look for osseous abnormalities.
Cause: Stress fractures often occur in the shin and are caused by overuse over a long period of time. They are frequently seen in long distance runners.
Prevention: If you decide to increase the intensity of your training, do so gradually. Talk to an expert to determine if you are wearing the correct type of shoes. If you have had a stress fracture in the past, they may suggest that you wear orthotics or tape your foot before training. Change your shoes often as many running shoes lose their shock absorbency after 400 miles.
Treatment: If you believe you may have a stress fracture, seek medical attention immediately. You most likely will need an x-ray. Typically, the stress fracture will heal on its own as long as you rest for approximately two months. For major fractures, surgery is sometimes necessary.
Imaging: MRI or bone scan may be done to look for osseous abnormalities.
Cause: Anterior compartment syndrome is generally an overuse injury. This syndrome is most common in sports such as soccer and football.
Prevention: Develop a daily stretching and strength training routine. If you have taken time off from sporting activities due to injury or other causes, gradually ease back into your routine. If you experience pain, stop your activity as continuing may worsen your pain.
Treatment: Rest and apply an ice pack regularly. Continue doing gentle exercises such as cycling if it does not cause you pain. See a sports injury professional to come up with a proper plan for rehabilitation. If the pain does not cease, contact your doctor immediately.
Imaging: MRI may be done to evaluate for any soft tissue injury.
Cause: Inflammation of the tendon sheath is generally an overuse injury caused by repetitive trauma, such as runners pounding against the pavement.
Prevention: Develop a daily stretching and strength training routine. If you have taken time off from sporting activities due to injury or other causes, gradually ease back into your routine. When you experience pain, stop your activity as continuing may worsen your pain. If you have previously suffered from inflammation of the tendon sheath, work with a health professional to determine ways to change your activity so that you don't experience a recurrence.
Treatment: Rest and apply an ice pack or heat pack regularly. Take anti-inflammatory medicine such as Advil, Aleve, or Motrin to reduce inflammation. Make sure to follow the directions on the bottle and check with your doctor before taking any new medications. A brace can be used to support the tendons and prevent further injury. If the pain does not cease, seek medical attention immediately.
Imaging: MRI may be done to evaluate for any soft tissue injury.
Cause: A muscle tear in the shin area is generally an overuse injury caused by repetitive trauma, such as runners pounding against the pavement.
Prevention: Develop a daily stretching and strength training routine. If you decide to increase the intensity of your training, do so gradually. See a medical specialist to determine what exercise program is right for you.
Treatment: Use compression while applying an ice pack to the injured area. Elevate the affected area as often as possible. Take anti-inflammatory medicine such as Advil, Aleve, or Motrin to reduce inflammation. Make sure to follow the directions on the bottle and check with your doctor before taking any new medications. Use an ACE bandage to prevent causing further injury to your shin. If the pain does not subside or if you experience other symptoms, seek medical attention.
Imaging: MRI may be done to evaluate for any soft tissue injury.
