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Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS)/Shin Splints

Shane L. Larson, MD and Briana Lindberg, CAQSM, MD Reviewed 04/2024
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

The term Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) is preferred to “shin splints.” MTSS is aching pain along the inner edge of the tibial shaft that develops when the musculature and/or p...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Patients typically describe dull, sharp, or deep pain along the lower leg that is resolved with rest.

  • Patients are often able to run through the pain in early stages.

  • Pain is commonly a...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Activity modification with a gradual return to training based on improvement of symptoms

  • Running on flat and firm surfaces can help minimize pain.

  • Patients should maintain fitn...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

  • Once well, recommend gradual return to preinjury running pace.

  • Maintain stretching and strengthening exercises.

  • Identify and correct preinjury tra...

REFERENCES

1
Moen MH, Tol JL, Weir A, et al. Medial tibial stress syndrome: a critical review. Sports Med. 2009;39(7):523-46.
2
Winters  M, Eskes  M, Weir  A, et al. Treatment of ...

ADDITIONAL READING

CODES

ICD10

  • S86.899A Other injury of other muscle(s) and tendon(s) at lower leg level, unspecified leg, initial encounter

  • S86.891A Other injury of other muscle(s) and tendon(s) at lower leg level, right...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • MTSS is the preferred term for “shin splints.”

  • Diagnosis is based on a reliable history of repetitive overuse accompanied by characteristic shin pain; imaging only if strong suspicion f...

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