Shin splints, or periostitis, is inflammation and swelling around one or more bones caused by injury, infection, autoimmune disease, or cancer. Rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medication are common treatments, while underlying causes may require antibiotics, antivirals, immunosuppressive drugs, or surgery.
Shin is a medical condition involving inflammation, tenderness, and swelling around one or more bones. Most bones in the body are lined with a layer of connective tissue called the periosteum, which provides protection and attaches muscle fibers to the bone tissue. Periostitis occurs when a layer of the periosteum is damaged due to an injury, serious infection, autoimmune disease, or cancerous condition. Depending on the underlying cause, it can cause acute pain in an isolated area of the body or widespread, chronic pain.
The most common cause of shin splints is injury from direct trauma to a bone or overuse of a particular body part. Athletes and casual runners are at risk of developing inflammation of the periosteum in the lower legs, a condition called a tibial splint. The frequent pressure placed on the shins by running, stopping, jumping, and turning gradually irritates the periosteum surrounding the bones, and in some cases, the connective tissue can tear. Improper running technique can exacerbate the problem and shin splints can become debilitating.
Inflammation can also arise as a complication of a chronic infection, such as syphilis or an autoimmune disease. In an inherited condition called primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy, the immune system releases chemicals that cause inflammatory responses in the periosteum at many different bone sites, including the collarbone, femur, and humerus. As a result, the connective tissue becomes inflamed and swollen. With the periosteum damaged, new bone forms underneath, causing painful bumps and further irritating the connective tissue. Leukemia, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow, can also cause this problem in the later stages of cancer.
A doctor can diagnose shin splints and look for underlying causes by asking about symptoms, evaluating the physical appearance of affected body parts, and taking X-rays of bones. Blood tests may be done if an autoimmune disease or infection is suspected. If diagnostic tests are inconclusive, a sample of bone and periosteum may be collected and analyzed to check for signs of cancer.
Healthcare providers usually focus therapeutic efforts on eliminating the underlying cause of symptoms. In the case of shin splints or other forms related to injuries, patients are usually instructed to rest, ice aching bones, and take anti-inflammatory medications. The shins usually begin to feel better after several weeks of rest, and an individual can gradually increase their activity level to rebuild strength. You may need antibiotics, antivirals, or immunosuppressive drugs to treat other causes. Surgery to remove or repair damaged tissue may be necessary if the condition causes debilitating pain or bone fractures.
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