What is a shin splint or medial tibial stress syndrome?

Pain along the side of the shin bone.

What are the causes of shin splint or medial tibial stress syndrome?

Caused by repetitive impact and stress on the shinbone and tissue that connects muscles to bones (tendons). This leads to damage and inflammation in the area.

What are the common symptoms of shin splint or medial tibial stress syndrome?

• Pain along the inner side of the shinbone.
• Tenderness along the inner side of the shinbone.
• Soreness or pain along the inner side of the shinbone.
• Mild swelling in the lower leg.
• Discomfort while walking, stair climbing, jogging, jumping.

What is the impact of shin splint or medial tibial stress syndrome on daily activities?

• It can significantly impact a person’s ability to perform daily activities.
• Activities such as walking, prolonged standing, climbing stairs, jumping, jogging or running can become difficult.
• It can also affect participation in sports and exercise.

What are the risk factors for developing shin splint or medial tibial stress syndrome?

• Obesity (increased body weight)
• Beginner-level runner or running after a gap
• A sudden increase in the intensity of exercise
• Increased stamping, jumping, and aerobic exercises.
• Lack of recovery
• Running over hard surfaces like tar roads
• Lack of proper strength and conditioning exercises

What can be tried to prevent shin splint or medial tibial stress syndrome?

• Reduce weight
• Do proper warm-up before exercise
• Increase recovery time
• Avoid stamping, jumping and running on hard surfaces till symptoms disappear
• Increase the strength of muscles in the leg
• Choose proper shoes

What treatment can be offered at BILD Exercise Clinic?

• Based on examination, reports, and medical history doctor will prescribe home-based exercises. Home-based exercise prescription contains diagrams, figures and detailed instructions.
• If needed few sessions of specific exercises can be conducted at the BILD Exercise Clinic.

What types of exercises are covered at BILD Exercise Clinic?

 As needed one or more of the following exercises are prescribed and administered.

• Exercises for strength
• Mobilization exercises
• Exercises for Impact and load-bearing

What are the goals of the exercise treatment at BILD Exercise Clinic?

• Decrease pain and stiffness.
• Delay or reverse the further progression of symptoms.
• Improve quality of life.

As with any medical or exercise intervention the outcome varies from patient to patient.

Which technology might be used (as per the need) at BILD Exercise Clinic?

• Strength training equipment (MATRIX, USA and others)
• Anti-gravity treadmill (NASA, USA)
• Weight sled

The selection of technology and exercise protocol is determined by the doctor.

What kind of treatment is NOT offered at BILD Exercise Clinic?

• Painkillers or Anti-inflammatory medications
• Vitamin supplements
• Ointments and creams of any kind
• Any other pharmacological/drug treatment
• Hormonal Therapy or injectables of any kind
• Intra-joint injections of any kind
• Surgery of any kind

What happens during consultation at BILD Exercise Clinic?

• The doctor will examine the patient.
• A detailed history regarding the onset and progression of the disease will be noted.
• A record of previous treatments tried will be noted.
• Strength differences of different muscles around the knee joint will be analysed.
• Previous reports (if any) such as MRI, X rays will also be seen and discussed.

Is it necessary to have any investigations done before or after the consultation?

• It is NOT compulsory to have any investigations done before consultation.
• Blood tests and MRIs are NOT asked for.

What questions to expect from your doctor

The doctor may ask some of the following questions:

• Where exactly does it hurt?
• Since when have you had this problem?
• What was the trigger or nature of injury (if applicable) for the beginning of pain
• How would you describe the pain — dull, sharp, burning?
• What are the previous treatment modalities tried by you?
• What makes the pain worse? What makes the pain better?

How to prepare for your consultation with the doctor?

• Wear comfortable clothes. Preferably wear pants or shorts that can be pulled slightly above the knees to help examination of knee joints.
• Don’t consume painkillers (at least 12 hours before) while coming for consultation. Painkillers mask the symptoms and interfere with understanding of symptoms.
• Bring all the previous reports, investigations, and medication prescriptions. It is NOT compulsory to have investigations or tests to be done before.
• Write down all your questions on paper or on a mobile phone that you want to ask to the doctor.
• It is always useful to bring a companion with you during consultation.

How to reach BILD Exercise Clinic OPD at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital?

• Reach the Super Speciality Building (SS building/new building) lobby/main entrance before time. Wheelchairs are available in the lobby and parking for needy patients. Click here for the Google map location of BILD Exercise Clinic.
• Parking is available based on availability. You can prefer public transport such as bus, auto-rickshaw, cab or taxi.
• If you are not registered as a patient and appearing for the first time as a patient at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital then try to come at least 15 minutes before the appointment time to complete the simple registration process at the ground floor reception of the super specialty building.
• Get an OPD entry pass (for patients) and an attendant pass at the ground-floor reception.
• Choose appropriate lifts (life no.1,2,3 ) at the ground floor to reach BILD Exercise Clinic OPD on the 11th floor.
• Depending upon patient numbers some waiting period is expected. Comfortable sitting, clean drinking water, a book reading section, clean toilets, changing rooms, and a cafeteria (on the ground floor and seventh floor) are available at your service.