Shin Splints in Korea
Overview
Shin splints, medically known as medial tibial stress syndrome, refer to pain along the inner edge of the shinbone (tibia). It is a common injury among runners, dancers, and athletes caused by repetitive stress on the shinbone and surrounding muscles. In Korea, sports medicine and physical therapy clinics offer effective diagnosis and treatment for shin splints to help patients recover and return to activity safely.
What is Shin Splints?
Shin splints occur when the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue around the tibia become inflamed due to repetitive impact or overuse. The pain usually develops gradually and can worsen with continued activity. It is considered an overuse injury rather than a sudden trauma.
Symptoms
- Tenderness and pain along the inner part of the lower leg
- Mild swelling in the lower leg
- Pain that worsens during or after exercise
- Discomfort when touching the affected area
- Possible muscle weakness or tightness in the calf
Causes
- Overuse from repetitive high-impact activities like running or jumping
- Sudden increase in exercise intensity or duration
- Poor footwear or inappropriate running surfaces
- Flat feet or abnormal foot mechanics
- Weakness or imbalance in lower leg muscles
Risk Factors
- Athletes and active individuals, especially runners and dancers
- Beginner exercisers increasing activity too quickly
- Improper footwear or worn-out shoes
- Hard or uneven training surfaces
- Biomechanical abnormalities like flat feet or high arches
Complications
- Stress fractures if untreated or overuse continues
- Chronic pain limiting physical activity
- Muscle imbalances and altered gait patterns
- Risk of re-injury without proper rehabilitation
Prevention
- Gradual increase in exercise intensity and duration
- Wearing appropriate, supportive footwear
- Running on softer surfaces when possible
- Regular stretching and strengthening exercises for lower legs
- Proper warm-up and cool-down routines
Treatment Options in Korea
South Korea offers comprehensive sports medicine and rehabilitation services for shin splints.
- Diagnosis
- Clinical examination and patient history
- Imaging such as X-rays or MRI to rule out fractures or other conditions
- Conservative Treatment
- Rest and avoidance of aggravating activities
- Ice application to reduce pain and inflammation
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief
- Compression and elevation of the leg
- Physical Therapy
- Stretching and strengthening exercises for calves and lower leg muscles
- Gait analysis and correction of biomechanical issues
- Use of orthotics or insoles for foot support
- Advanced Therapies
- Shockwave therapy or ultrasound therapy in specialized clinics
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections in some cases
