Calf/shin pathologies

Question 1

Describe Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS)

Answer 1

Pain along the posteromedial border of the tibia that occur during exercise
SHIN SPLITS

Question 2

Diagnosis of muscle strain

Answer 2

CLINICAL
Sudden onset with popping sensation
Usually localised pain
Stiffness jogging or walking
May be palatable defect + swelling

RADIOLOGICAL
Ultrasound -Visualise soft tissue injury + assess severity
MRI - differientiate myofascial, musculotendinous or intratendious

Question 2

Describe Muscle strain

Answer 2

Tear of muscle fibres

Question 2

Diagnosis of MTSS

Answer 2

CLINICAL
Pain along medial border
Pain at start of activity may ease OR occur after execise
Palpate tibia - pain when press lower 2/3 of shin

RADIOLOGICAL
X-ray OR MRI may rule out stress fracture

Question 3

Describe Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome (CECS)

Answer 3

increased compartmental pressure causing reduced blood flow

Question 4

Diagnosis of CECS

Answer 4

No pain at rest
Pain, aching + feeling tightness develop during exercise
Muscles may feel tense but physical examination often doesn’t showanything unusual.