Pain in the front and sides of the lower leg that develops or worsens during exercise. There may also be tenderness and oedema in the affected area. Shin splints is a common problem in runners. It may be caused by various disorders, such as compartment syndrome, tendinitis, myositis, or periostitis.
In most cases, the pain disappears after 1 or 2 weeks of rest. However, if it is severe or recurrent, a course of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids may be needed. Rarely, surgery is performed to alleviate excessive pressure in a muscle. Some people benefit from physiotherapy.
See MEDIAL TIBIAL SYNDROME.
Supports for an injured or wounded part. They are most commonly employed in cases in which a bone is fractured, and consist then of some rigid substance designed to take the place of the broken bone in maintaining the shape of the limb, as well as to keep the broken ends at rest and in contact and so ensure their union. Splints are most commonly made of wood, either shaped to the limb or consisting merely of strips of wood about the width of the injured limb, and carefully padded with wool or similar soft material. Splints are also made of metal, poroplastic felt, leather, and cotton sti?ened with plaster of Paris, as well as other materials. Splints may be improvised for ?rst-aid out of walking-sticks, ri?es, broom-handles, branches, folded-up newspapers, and in fact anything of suitable length and rigidity. (See also BONE, DISORDERS OF – Bone fractures.)... splints
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