HARVARD HEALTH PUBLISHING AND 3 OTHER DOCTORS ANSWER: WHAT ARE POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS OF SHIN SPLINTS?
Answered by Dr. Robert H. Shmerling
M.D. Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 30 years of experience · USA
In most cases, shin splints are a painful but temporary problem. An adjustment in exercise intensity (often including a period of rest) and/or a change in footwear usually leads to improvement. Ice and stretching can also help. It may take months to completely heal. Other conditions may mimic shin splints, including stress fracture, tendinitis, and exertional compartment syndrome. In some cases, healthcare providers will exclude these other conditions when making the diagnosis of shin splints. Complications of shin splints include ongoing pain, poor athletic performance and interruption in athletic training. It is assumed that in some cases continued exercise and stress on the muscles near the shin could lead to a stress fracture.
Answered by Dr. Marcella Abunahman Pereira
Specialization in Clinical Cardiology · 12 years of experience · Brazil
The term shin splints refers to pain along the shin bone, the large bone in the front of the lower leg. Shin splints are common in runners, dancers and military recruits. Complications from shin splints are rare. But if you continue to run, dance or play sports without letting your legs heal, shin splints can progress into a stress fracture. A stress fracture occurs when little cracks form in the bone.
→ Learn more about shin splints: See the causes, symptoms, treatment options and more.
→ See more questions and expert answers related to shin splints.
Answered by Dr. Mayank Saxena
Doctor of Medicine (MBBS) · 1 years of experience · India
Shin splints are caused due to injury to the lower legs or due to overactivity of the legs as in the case of a dancer or athlete.
Answered by Dr. Ilya Aleksandrovskiy
M.D., MBA · 5 years of experience · USA
Though shin splints heal on their own, sometimes stress fractures - tiny cracks in the tibia bone - can happen.
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Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.
2024-04-23T09:38:26Z dg43tfdfdgfd
