Many leg related soccer injuries or stresses get grouped into “shin splints”.
Just because you have pain between your knee and ankle does not automatically point to shin splints.
Assuming so is a problem as there may be another cause that may go untreated.
You may have a stress fracture, nerve entrapment, tendonitis and exertional compartment syndrome; or any combination of these! Treatment for each of these is different, ranging from a taking a couple of pain relievers to surgery.
Identifying the true cause of the pain is very important!
What are soccer shin splints?
Shin splints are a specific condition characterized by pain in the lower third of the leg on the inside of the large bone called the tibia.
The pain is worse after soccer practice (and usually in the beginning of the season) and feels better with rest. It is often less painful after “warm up,” but worsens towards the end of practice/game. It may become severe enough that the pain is constant.
Shin splints always causes tenderness over the edge of the tibia six inches above the inside ankle bone.
Treatment of Shin Splints
- get a correct diagnosis
- treat the ailment
Treatment of shin splints involves rest, ice and sometimes anti-inflammatory medicine and shoe inserts.
Many time soccer players play through or go full-out during practice while suffering thru pain – there is no risk of damage or permanent injury.
Sometimes the pain is severe enough that they may need to alter their training regimen (e.g. time off, not wear soccer cleats for a bit, immobilize the leg, etc.).
In summary:
- not all shin pain are shin splints
- get an accurate diagnosis
- treat the pain
- make changes where necessary – shin splints are treatable
- if your pain continues for more than two weeks – get a second opinion!