Anterior Shin Splints is an injury that occurs to the muscles on the anterior(front side) shin bone(tibia).  This muscle is that Anterior Tibialis Muscle, this muscle aids in bringing the foot upward(dorsiflexion).  This muscle is used while walking/running, standing, and balancing.  When this injury occurs it is mainly due to overuse/repetitive use while toeing off of the forefoot – walking up hills, sprinting, as well as being on your forefoot/toes more often.  Typically we will see this issue in people that hike, run, marathoners, cyclists, and people with a physical job.

Symptoms of anterior shin splints are pain in the muscle of the anterior shin.  This pain can be sore, ache, sharp, tight, and tender.  It will be sore or painful while walking, standing, and with general leg movements.  You will notice that there is mild weakness from the pain/soreness.  And depending on how intense the shin splints are there may be swelling and spasm in the muscle as well.  If left untreated the pain may intensify and cause issues with movements and may cause further injury to the muscle and muscles associated with the leg and foot.

The best course of action for this injury is to seek professional help.  A professional will be able to evaluate and diagnose the injury and build a specific treatment plan for the individual and the injury.  A proper treatment plan for this injury would include manual therapies to help mediate the muscular and ligament stress which helps with movement and pain management.  Mobilization and manipulation the pelvis, hip, knee, and ankle joint to keep fluid movement through the joints to avoid restriction of movement and range of motion issues.  Stabilization and strength programming to help build muscular and ligament support as well as prevent further and future injury.  And finally, a good self-care program that will give the individual control on managing the issue themselves.