Recurring shin splints

[Abdel]

I started training with a rep soccer team this season and a few weeks into training pain gradually appeared on the inside of my shins. I kept playing until intense pain happened to the anterior portion of my shins, the entire way up.
I took a break for about three weeks and and read a bit about shin splints. I now realise i have medial tibial stress syndrome and anterior shin splins/compartment syndrome. After returning to soccer, i was pain free for a few weeks and then the shin splints came back. I recently took another break, this time aplying heat and massage, and doing exercises to strengthen the shin muscles (eg pumping ankles up and down).
although it stayed a way for a few weeks, the shin splints came back again. I dont understand how this could keep coming back, as i used to play soccer on concrete often without any problems, and i have high arches, so i dont have too much over pronation. I also week a shock absorbing pad inside my boots.
Im on another break for 2 weeks and would appreciate any info on quick recovery, ie exercises, massage techniques
THanks,
Abdel

[Heidi]

Hi Abdel

It sounds like shin splints. This is the same as medial tibial stress syndrome but different to anterior compartment syndrome. If it was compartment syndrome you would feel it on the outside, more fleshy part of the shin. Shin splints is on the inside as you describe.

You have done the right thing to rest. However, they can be quite a troublesome thing to treat.

I know you say you have high arches, but the really important thing is to find out what happens to your feet when you actually run. To do this you need to visit a specialist sport shop or sports injury clinic who have a treadmill to assess your feet with video analysis. This is normally quite inexpensive.

Once you have this done and you get any corrective devices then you know you feet are positioned well.

After this you need to concentrate to stretching the calf and shin muscles (see our stretching pages: http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/stretching/allstretches.php)

Continue to rest and get some massage treatment and ultrasound to the shins. After at least a couple of weeks rest and the stretching and treatment mentioned, then I would advise to start strengthening the lower leg muscles. Get a resistance band for this, they're really useful and resistance can be altered depending on your level to allow progression.

For some more ideas, have a look here: http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/front/lowerleg/shinsplints.htm

Good luck!