How to Test for Shin Splints
Many runners and athletes experience shin splints during their career, and the pain can be debilitating if treatment isn't sought. In addition to rest and symptom management, you might need to see a medical practitioner to rule out walking imbalances and mechanical problems that can cause shin splints. Although there's no definitive test for the condition, physicians can usually diagnose shin splints after reviewing your health history and examining your leg.
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Instructions
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Provide your health practitioner with a medical history. He will need detailed information about your preferred sports, exercise frequency and training intensity. He will also ask about the timing of your pain. Does it occur while you're exercising, while you're at rest or both? Shin splint pain usually flares as you begin an activity such as walking or running. Pain might decrease as you continue the activity, but as shin splints worsen, you'll probably feel it throughout your workout. Pain is often reduced with rest, but it might flare again when you stand after long periods of immobility.
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Discuss specific symptoms with your practitioner. If you have a medial shin splint, pain presents on the inside of the tibia (shinbone). Patients with anterior shin splints typically have discomfort on the outside front of the shin. If your pain originates at the knee or is in the back of the leg at the calf muscle, it's unlikely you have shin splints.
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Have your leg examined thoroughly by your physician. She will press on the shin to determine whether your pain is coming from the muscle and connective tissue, or the tibia itself. It's important to remember that shin splints affect muscles and tendons. If the pain is coming from your shinbone, you might have a stress fracture or periostitis (inflammation of the membrane enveloping a bone), instead.
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Undergo radiology tests such as X-rays, CT scans or MRIs to rule out stress fractures or compartment syndrome. Both of these conditions can mimic shin splints in some patients.
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Follow your practitioner's instructions for shin splint care. Take a break from exercising, ice and elevate your leg and take over-the-counter anti-inflammatories for acute pain symptoms. Although you might hesitate to change your exercise routine, running and walking will exacerbate your shin splints. If you are unwilling to take a fitness hiatus, consider a low-impact activity such as swimming until your shin symptoms improve.
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Have your practitioner examine the mechanics of your walking, running and standing. He might recommend specialty athletic shoes, inserts or prescribed orthotics to prevent future shin splint issues.
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Tips & Warnings
Call your physician or head to the hospital immediately if you notice severe edema or pain in the lower leg--especially if you are unable to walk or perform normal daily activities. This could be a sign of a serious health condition.
