Is it Shin Splints? HELP
I play football about 2-3 hours a week, I developed a problem with my shins a year or so ago. My GP and a specialist didnt really enlighten me, but thought i should stop physical activity for 6 weeks. then when i started again, i should stretch and warm-up very thoroughly.
I left it 3 months (double the time) and when i started football, made sure i had a full stretch and warm up routine. usually of around 20 minutes. To my dismay after about 6 months playing I have begun to develpo the problem again.
I feel as if my shin bone is bruised on the inside, and it’s worse in the middle to lower part of my shin bone. i can press on to the side of my bone and as i work my finger up my leg (pressing) there are definate points of sharp pain (very bruise like – although not red). Last time i had this it got progressively worse until i couldn’t run, and it even hindered my walking.
Any ideas?
2 comments
rachwitte
yeah I am kinda the same boat you are in- definitely experiment with the possibilities of compartment syndrome or a stress fracture. I recently learned (I have the same symptoms as you) that it might be severe shin splints resulting in surgery. Try going to a sports medicine doctor- soon. Even if you get an xray and bone scan and they are negative- it doesn’t mean there isn’t a problem. Try an MRI if you have to. With similar symptoms- I know how much pain you are in. Don’t let doctors push you around- get help soon. I hope everything works out for you.
ATsoccergirl
Have you had any imaging studies done such as an X-ray, MRI, or bone scan. An X-ray and a bone scan need to be done to rule out a possible stress fracture. An MRI would be able to tell if there is any recognizable soft tissue damage.
Besides shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome), I would be very concerned about the possibility of a compartment syndrome. this occurs when the muscle swells and the fascia does not allow for the tissue expansion. The muscle belly is then being pushed against the bone and it being constricted by the fascia. This is a very serious condition. If this may be the case a doctor can perform resting and exertional pressure readings on the affected compartment. This is done by placing a needle into the compartment which is attached to something like a blood pressure gauge.
If the problem is persistant see an orthopedic surgeon. If your current doctors refuse to help you please seek a second opinion. Remember you are the one that has to deal with the results, so if you are not satisfied seek help elsewhere.