Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome / MTSS / Shin Splints

Summary

This video from Physio Tutors discusses the diagnosis of Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS), commonly known as shin splints. It highlights key indicators from patient history and physical assessment, such as exercise-induced pain along the medial tibial border that improves with rest. The script emphasizes palpation of a specific area on the tibia to reproduce symptoms and differentiate MTSS from other lower leg conditions. It also touches on the unknown underlying pathology and the lack of conclusive evidence for effective treatments, with extracorporeal shock wave therapy showing promise. The video encourages viewer engagement and subscription for more informative content.

Takeaways

• 🏥 The video discusses a diagnostic framework for medial tibial stress syndrome, commonly known as shin splints.
• 👨‍⚕️ A study by CSU in 2017 is referenced, which investigated the features indicative of medial tibial stress syndrome.
• 🦿 Shin splints are prevalent exercise-induced overuse injuries, particularly affecting the lower leg.
• 📍 Pain from shin splints usually occurs along the distal third of the posterior medial tibial border and is provoked by palpation over an area of five consecutive centimeters.
• 🏃‍♂️ Exercise-induced pain along the distal two-thirds of the medial tibial border is a characteristic of medial tibial stress syndrome.
• 🚑 Pain from shin splints is typically provoked during or after physical activity and improves with rest.
• 🔍 During physical assessment, palpating the distal third of the posterior medial border of the tibia can reproduce symptoms.
• 🤕 If palpation causes pain in an area smaller than five centimeters, it might indicate a tibial stress fracture.
• 🤔 The underlying pathology of shin splints is not fully understood, with bony overloads or periosteal inflammation being reported.
• 💊 Current evidence does not conclusively support any specific treatment for shin splints, though extracorporeal shock wave therapy shows promise.
• 📺 The video is from Physio Tutors, offering educational content on physical therapy and related topics.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the video?

The video focuses on a diagnostic framework for identifying medial tibial stress syndrome, also known as shin splints.

What is medial tibial stress syndrome commonly referred to as?

Medial tibial stress syndrome is commonly referred to as shin splints.

What is the prevalence of shin splints among athletes?

Shin splints are one of the most prevalent exercise-induced overuse injuries in the lower leg.

Where does the pain from shin splints typically manifest?

The pain usually manifests along the distal third of the posterior medial tibial border.

How is the pain from shin splints typically provoked?

The pain is provoked upon palpation over an area of five consecutive centimeters and is exercise-induced.

What is a key characteristic of shin splints in terms of patient history?

A key characteristic is the presence of exercise-induced pain along the distal two-thirds of the medial tibial border.

What symptom should you pay attention to during the physical assessment of shin splints?

You should pay attention to the reproduction of the patient's symptoms by palpating the distal third of the posterior medial border of the tibia.

What could indicate a different diagnosis if the pain area is smaller than five centimeters?

If the area of pain is smaller than five centimeters, it could indicate a tibial stress fracture.

What are some other symptoms that could suggest a different condition such as chronic exertional compartment syndrome?

Symptoms like cramping, burning pain over the calf or posterior compartment, with or without numbness or a pins and needles sensation in the foot could suggest chronic exertional compartment syndrome.

What is currently reported as possible underlying pathology for shin splints?

Both bony overloads and periosteal inflammation are being reported as possible underlying pathologies for shin splints.

What treatment shows promise according to current evidence for shin splints?

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy appears to be the most promising treatment according to current evidence.