![]() ![]() It is the most common location for stress fractures, but still less frequent than shin splints (Waterman 2016).Īs a personal anecdote, I discovered the profession of physiotherapy more than 10 years ago when I myself had shin splints. Among a population of military personnel, 6 out of 1000 people had a tibial stress fracture over the course of a year, with 40% of them experiencing a stress fracture.Shin splints can also be caused by factors such as obesity, metabolic diseases, and infections, so they can be present in individuals who do not engage in intense physical activities. Approximately 14 to 20% of runners experience shin splints at least once in their lifetime (McClure 2022).Although there are no precise figures for large sample sizes regarding tibial shin fractures, studies indicate that: In terms of frequency, shin splints are more common than tibial stress fractures. MRI of the tibia and fibula of someone with a fatigue fracture in the middle of the tibia. However, such diagnostic imaging is not always necessary, as the treatment approach for shin splints and stress fractures follows similar principles: rest and gradual return to activity. Additional imaging examinations can be used to confirm the diagnosis if there is uncertainty. This process is known as a differential diagnosis.Īn initial assessment can be made based on the patient’s history, including the type, frequency, and intensity of recent physical exertion, as well as the presenting symptoms. Diagnosis of shin splint VS tibial stress fractureĭistinguishing between shin splints and a shin harline fracture can be accomplished by a sports physician or physiotherapist experienced in such injuries. Severe pain can be associated with shin splints or tendonitis, while a stress fracture may cause minimal or no pain (Milgrom 2021). The intensity of the pain is not a reliable indicator. Increased pain during physical activity.Pain that may persist even at rest, without any pressure.Tenderness along the tibia (and sometimes the fibula), typically in the lower two-thirds.The symptoms of shin splints resemble those of a stress fracture: Shin splints are a common issue among runners, as well as people who engage in activities that involve significant walking, such as certain occupations. Shin splints refer to the inflammation of the membrane surrounding the bones, while a tibial stress fracture is a break in the tibia bone. These additional examinations may be considered, for example, if there is no improvement after 2 or 3 weeks of strict rest. One of the classifications used to determine the severity and prognosis of a stress fracture. However, these tests are not always highly reliable.Īdditional imaging examinations such as X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, or bone scintigraphy are sometimes conducted to ensure a more accurate diagnosis. ![]()
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