Lower leg pain is a common challenge for athletes, and anyone engaged in high-impact physical activity. While "shin splints" often come to mind as the likely culprit, not all types of shin pain are the same. Another condition—compartment syndrome—shares similar symptoms but requires significantly different treatment.
Understanding the differences between these two conditions is important for effective diagnosis and recovery. Learn the key distinctions between shin splints and compartment syndrome, their causes, and the steps you can take to prevent or treat them.
Shin splints, or medial tibial stress syndrome, refer to pain along the inner edge of the shinbone (tibia). This condition is one of the most common running-related injuries, endurance sport injuries, high-impact sports typically caused by repetitive impact stress on the lower legs.
Shin splints typically present as a dull, aching pain that runs along the inside of the shinbone (tibia). This discomfort is often accompanied by tenderness or swelling in the lower leg, making the area sensitive to touch. The pain tends to intensify during physical activity, especially high-impact exercises like running or jumping. However, it usually eases or completely subsides with adequate rest, offering temporary relief until the next bout of activity.
Shin splints occur due to overloading the muscles, tendons, and bones of the lower leg. Contributing factors include:
Fortunately, shin splints are often treatable with non-invasive methods:
If left untreated, shin splints can lead to more severe conditions, such as stress fractures.
Compartment syndrome is a more complex condition often hard to diangisis. It occurs when pressure within a muscle compartment builds up, restricting blood flow and potentially damaging nerves and muscles. Chronic forms of this syndrome, known as chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS), are often exercise-induced and affect athletes engaged in repetitive, high-impact activities like running or cycling.
The condition occurs when the fascia, a non-stretchable tissue surrounding the muscles, cannot accommodate the increased muscle volume during exercise. This results in high pressure within the compartment, restricting oxygen and blood flow. Risk factors include participating in repetitive high-impact sports, overtraining or following intense exercise regimens, and being under 30 years old.
Compartment syndrome often requires a different approach. Non-surgical treatments include resting and modifying activities to focus on low-impact exercises, alongside physical therapy aimed at improving flexibility and strength. Orthotics or shoe modifications can also help correct gait issues. However, if symptoms persist, surgical intervention such as a fasciotomy may be necessary. This procedure involves releasing the fascia to reduce pressure within the muscle compartments. Consulting a physician is crucial to determine whether surgery is the appropriate course of action.
To better understand and differentiate between two commonly encountered lower leg conditions, it is important to explore the key differences between shin splints and compartment syndrome. By recognizing the distinct characteristics of each condition, individuals can seek appropriate medical attention and make informed decisions regarding their treatment and recovery.
To ensure the well-being of your legs during exercise, it is important to take preventive measures for both shin splints and compartment syndrome. Here are some effective strategies to help you avoid these conditions and maintain optimal leg health.
While shin splints and compartment syndrome are common causes of leg pain, other conditions such as stress fractures or tendonitis may present similar symptoms. Accurate diagnosis is key to effective treatment.
Medical professionals, such as the experts at Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, use specialized tests, including compartment pressure measurements and imaging (MRI), to identify the underlying issue.
If you're experiencing persistent leg pain, don’t delay in seeking a professional opinion. Untreated conditions can worsen over time, putting unnecessary strain on your body and your fitness goals. The team at Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics in Carmel, Greenwood, Mooresville, Noblesville and Tipton, IN, are here to provide an accurate diagnosis and customized treatment plan to get you back on your feet. Request an appointment today to find lasting relief and regain confidence in your physical performance..
Tendon pain can make the simplest activities—like running, walking, or even lifting objects—feel like an uphill battle. When tendon pain strikes, traditional treatments don’t always resolve issues.
Enter shockwave therapy, a revolutionary, non-invasive treatment designed to promote healing and reduce pain for tendon injuries and other musculoskeletal conditions. But what exactly is shockwave therapy, how does it work, and could it be the solution for you? Learning about this innovative treatment and its potential to get you back to the activities you love is the first step towards long-lasting recovery.
Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy acoustic sound waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing process. These sound waves are directed into the injured area, increasing blood flow, promoting healing, and alleviating pain.
We use this in conjunction of physical therapy and it’s particularly effective for injuries that have not responded to more conventional treatments, such as oral pain medication. It is widely used to treat chronic conditions like tendinopathy.
The process is simple yet effective. During a shockwave therapy session:
These waves trigger several healing mechanisms:
The sessions are quick, with each procedure taking about 5–10 minutes. To achieve the best results, patients typically undergo 3–5 sessions spaced over several weeks.
Shockwave therapy is a versatile treatment with applications across various injuries and conditions. Common uses include:
It’s also gaining popularity among athletes seeking to accelerate recovery and optimize performance while avoiding invasive procedures.
At Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, patients have access to this advanced treatment to safely address long-standing injuries.
One of the standout benefits of shockwave therapy is its long-term efficacy. While some patients may notice improvement after the first session, significant results typically appear after completing the full course of treatments. Healing continues for weeks following the final session as the body attempts to repairs itself.
While the results vary by individual, many patients report lasting relief from pain and improved mobility, making shockwave therapy a preferred option for managing chronic conditions.
A frequently asked question is whether it’s safe to resume physical activity post-treatment. The answer depends on your condition and injury severity.
By gradually incorporating exercise, you’ll help promote healing and avoid aggravating the treated tendon or muscle tissue.
Shockwave therapy is packed with advantages that make it a compelling alternative to more invasive treatments:
If you’re based near Carmel, Greenwood, Noblesville, or Tipton, IN, the team at Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics is specially trained in administering this advanced treatment.
Shockwave therapy is great for chronic, persistent injuries that haven’t responded to other treatments, such as rest, physical therapy, or medication. However, it’s not the right option for everyone. There are certain cases where shockwave therapy may not be recommended. Your healthcare provider might suggest alternative treatments if you:
To determine whether shockwave therapy is a suitable option for you, a consultation with a physician at Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics is essential. During this visit, experts will assess your medical history, current condition, and treatment goals to create a personalized care plan that best supports your recovery and overall health.
If you’re struggling with ongoing tendon pain that’s holding you back, shockwave therapy could be the game-changing solution you’ve been searching for. With its blend of innovation, effectiveness, and safety, it offers renewed hope for anyone tired of living with chronic pain.
Experience the difference that shockwave therapy can make. Call (317) 817-1200 to schedule a consultation with Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics today at one of our convenient locations in Carmel, Greenwood, Noblesville or Tipton, IN. Our team of experts will craft a personalized plan to get you back to doing what you love, pain-free.
Locating the source of nerve and muscle problems can be complicated. Fortunately, the team at Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics uses tools that make narrowing down and pinpointing the cause easier, getting you back to your active life faster.
Forté uses a two-part process known as electrodiagnostic testing or EDX to help detect an injury or disorder of a nerve or muscle and the connections between them.
The first portion of the test is a Nerve Conduction Study or NCS, in which medical staff place electrodes over specific sites on your arms and legs and then apply small electric impulses.
During the second portion of the test, Electromyography or EMG, a tiny pin electrode is used to measure electrical activity in the muscle.
Together, these tests help physicians diagnose or rule out muscle and nerve disorders and determine the best treatment for relieving your symptoms.
When to consider electrodiagnostic testing
Your physician may consider electrodiagnostic testing if you’ve experienced muscle pain or cramping, tingling, numbness, or weakness with no apparent cause. It’s often used to help diagnose:
What to expect before, during and after testing
Once you’re referred for electrodiagnostic testing, the experience will be individualized. The time commitment varies per patient, typically ranging between 30 and 60 minutes from start to finish.
There are no restrictions relative to activities before testing, but there are some things to consider. You should wear loose-fitting and stretchy clothes to your appointment. Additionally, you should stop using creams or lotions on your arms or legs approximately 12 hours before testing.
Both parts of the testing process are typically tolerated without needing pain medication.
“The impulses delivered at the NCS electrode sites will feel like a tingling sensation, last less than one second and immediately go away with no lasting effects,” says Dr. Michael Del Busto, a rehabilitation and sports medicine physician at Forté specializing in minimally invasive procedures.
“While there may be some pain or discomfort from the pin electrode used during the second portion of the test, we can control the settings as we go,” says Del Busto. “Following testing, some muscle soreness is to be expected, but it will go away within two to three days.”
You can resume normal activities immediately following testing. Results are typically sent to your physician’s office within 24 hours and will help determine the next steps in your care.
Ready to take the next step? The team at Forté is specially trained to offer electrodiagnostic testing. If you suffer from nerve or muscle problems and are interested in finding out whether EDX is right for you, request an appointment online or call
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