Comparison of medial tibial stress syndrome and its severity in regular runners vs treadmill runners

Abstract

Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS) usually known as shin splints is an exercise related overuse injury of lower extremity. It mostly affects athletes and military recruits. The incidence of MTSS is 16-44% in a variety of sports, such as field events and long-distance running. Contributing factors for MTSS are female gender, increased BMI, increased navicular drop, poor running kinematics and previous history of MTSS. Most common symptom in MTTS is pain across the posteromedial border of the tibia which is increased by activity and relieved through rest. It can be reliably diagnosed with a history and clinical examination. MRI and CT scan are used to rule out other conditions which have similar symptoms. The severity of condition is determined through MTSS score. Management of MTSS includes rest, icing, massage, acupuncture, leg braces and modalities; whereas surgery is reserved for refractory cases.