Australian Triathlete — December 2017

66 | AustrAliAn triAthlete

text by zaChary turner | photogrAphy by shutterstoCK.Com

I

t is a common belief that, as athletes

and physically active individuals, we

are made more susceptible to injuries,

specifically those due to overuse.

And while at times this may be an

accurate reflection, the underlying reason

may not be due to the nature of the sport

itself, but rather how it is performed.

Despite this, it is true - many overuse

injuries may be more prevalent in sporting

populations. However, with correct

management and early intervention, these

injuries can be avoided, or their severity

and duration may well be reduced.

Have you ever been stopped short

during your morning run, unable to keep

going because of the pain in your shin,

made worse each time your foot strikes

the ground? Or would firmly running your

hand up the middle of your shin be enough

to send you jumping off your seat?

Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS),

commonly known as ‘Shin Splints’ is an

overuse injury affecting the muscles and

bone in the lower leg. Due to repetitive

impact, the tibia (shin bone) and

surrounding musculature undergo various

stress reactions. These stress reactions

are a normal response to activity, and the

body recovers to make these structures

more resilient for future stressors.

However, with MTSS the degree of stress

reactions caused outweigh the ability and/

or the capacity for a full recovery to occur.

MTSS is best categorised by a dull, diffuse

pain along the middle of the tibia (shin

bone) - this pain is made worse with

weight bearing and high impact activity.

Often pain may be more notable in the

cool down and after each training session,

and this is an important warning sign to

take note of. As the injury progresses,

MedIAL TIBIAL

sTRess syndRoMe