Shin splints and stress fractures can both cause lower leg pain, but they are different conditions. Shin splints refer to pain in the lower leg without specifying the source, while stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bone. Medial shin splints are caused by inflammation of muscles and tendons, while exercise-induced compression syndrome is caused by increased pressure during exertion. Rest, stretching, and ice can help recover from both conditions, but nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should not be taken for pain relief when stress fractures are suspected.
Shin splints and a stress fracture could both be responsible for lower leg pain, but the distinction between these conditions is sometimes poorly understood. A stress fracture is a specific condition in which tiny cracks form in the bone. The term “shin splint” refers to pain in the lower leg, particularly traveling the length of the shin bone, without specifying the source of the pain or the affected tissues. Several diagnoses, including that of a stress fracture, often fall under the catchall label of shin splints.
Pain that travels the length of the shin or shin bone is commonly described as shin splints, and a stress fracture could very well be causing these symptoms. Most commonly, the pain results from medial shin splints, a condition that is not fully understood but appears to result from inflammation of the muscles and tendons attached to the shinbone. Exercise-induced compression syndrome, in which muscles expand during exertion and increased pressure causes pain, could cause shin pain. There are other causes for shin splints, and a stress fracture could also be responsible.
Medial shin splints are usually triggered by overexertion, but running in poorly fitting footwear or on uneven ground can exacerbate the condition. The pain travels the length of the shinbone, along the inside rather than in front, at its worst during exertion and eases with rest. In severe cases, rest is needed to allow the leg to heal, but in other cases, ice and stretching may relieve symptoms sufficiently. Good arch support is also recommended.
Exercise Induced Squeeze Syndrome occurs when the pressure within the muscle increases. During periods of exertion, blood rushes into the muscle to deliver more oxygen and remove the toxins of fatigue. The fascia, the tissue that covers the muscles, is flexible, and this is normally not a problem for most people, but if the muscle swells up enough, the fascia cannot stretch sufficiently and the pressure causes pain, often accompanied by by sensations of tightness or tingling. Symptoms ease quickly with rest, but surgery may be needed to effectively treat the condition.
Stress fractures are microscopic cracks in the bone, which appear over time when the bone is subjected to repeated stress, such as when running. They are often confused with other types of shin splints, and a stress fracture can be difficult to diagnose. There may be swelling and pain similar to that experienced with medial shin splints. Even with X-rays, fractures are often too small to be visible.
Rest, stretching, and ice are all effective in recovering from shin splints, and a stress fracture is no exception. Stress fractures might, however, respond differently to pain medication. Research indicates that the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen may slow the healing of stress fractures, and such drugs should not be taken for pain relief when stress fractures are suspected.
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