Shin bone | definition of shin bone by Medical dictionary Shin bone | definition of shin bone by Medical dictionary bone [bōn] 1. the hard, rigid form of connective tissue constituting most of the skeleton of vertebrates, composed chiefly of calcium salts. 2. any distinct piece of the skeleton of the body. See anatomic Table of Bones in the Appendices for regional and alphabetical listings of bones, and see color plates 1 and 2. Called also os . adj., adj bo´ny. There are 206 separate bones in the human body. Collectively they form the skeletal system , a structure bound together by ligaments at the joints and set in motion by the muscles, which are secured to the bones by means of tendons. Bones, ligaments, muscles, and tendons are the tissues of the body responsible for supporting and moving the body. Some bones have a chiefly protective function. An example is the skull, which encloses the brain, the back of the eyeball, and the inner ear. Some, such as the pelvis, are mainly supporting structures. Other bones, such as the jaw and the bones of the fingers, are concerned chiefly with movement.

The bone marrow in the center manufactures blood cells. The bones themselves act as a storehouse of calcium , which must be maintained at a certain level in the blood for the body's normal chemical functioning. Structure and Composition. Bone is not uniform in structure but is composed of several layers of different materials. The outermost layer, the periosteum, is a thin, tough membrane of fibrous tissue. It gives support to the tendons that secure the muscle to the bone and also serves as a protective sheath. This membrane encloses all bones completely except at the joints where there is a layer of cartilage. Beneath the periosteum lie the dense, hard layers of bone tissue called compact bone. Its composition is fibrous rather than solid and it gives bone its resiliency. Encased within these layers is the tissue that makes up most of the volume of bone, called cancellous or spongy bone because it contains little hollows like those of a sponge. The innermost portion of the bone is a hollow cavity containing marrow. Blood vessels course through every layer of bone, carrying nutritive elements, oxygen, and other products. Bone tissue also contains a large number of nerves.

The basic chemical in bone, which gives bone its hardness and strength, is calcium phosphate. Development. Cartilage forms the major part of bone in the very young; this accounts for the great flexibility and resiliency of the infant skeleton. Gradually, calcium phosphate collects in the cartilage, and it becomes harder and more brittle. Some of the cartilage cells break loose, so that channels develop in the bone shaft. Blood vessels enter the channels, bearing with them small cells of connective tissue, some of which become osteoblasts, cells that form true bone. The osteoblasts enter the hardened cartilage, forming layers of hard, firm bone. Other cells, called osteoclasts, work to tear down old or excess bone structure, allowing the osteoblasts to rebuild with new bone. This renewal continues throughout life, although it slows down with age. Cartilage formation and the subsequent replacement of cartilage by hard material is the mechanism by which bones grow in size. During the period of bone growth, cartilage grows over the hardened portion of bone. In time, this layer of cartilage hardens as calcium phosphate is added, and a fresh layer grows over it, and it too hardens.

The process continues until the body reaches full growth. Long bones grow in length because of special cross-sectional layers of cartilage located near the flared ends of the bone. These harden and new cartilage is produced by the same process as previously described. Bone Disorders. fracture , a break in the bone, is the most common injury to the bone; it may be closed, with no break in the skin, or open, with penetration of the skin and exposure of portions of the broken bone. osteoporosis is excessive brittleness and porosity of bone in the aged. osteomyelitis is a bone infection similar to a boil on the skin, but much more serious because blood supply to bone is less exquisite than that to other body organs and bone metabolizes more slowly, so that the infection can destroy the bone and invade other body tissues. osteomalacia is the term used for rickets when it occurs in adults. In these diseases there is softening of the bones, due to inadequate concentration of calcium or phosphorus in the body. The usual cause is deficiency of vitamin D, which is required for utilization of calcium and phosphorus by the body.

In osteitis fibrosa cystica , bone is replaced by fibrous tissue because of abnormal calcium metabolism. The condition usually is due to overactivity of the parathyroid glands. osteoma refers to abnormal new growth, either benign or malignant, of the tissue of the bones. Although it is not common, it may occur in any of the bones of the body, and at any age. alveolar bone the thin layer of bone making up the bony processes of the maxilla and mandible, surrounding and containing the teeth; it is pierced by many small blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerves. Tibia (Shinbone) Shaft Fractures-OrthoInfo - AAOS Copyright 2010 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Tibia (Shinbone) Shaft Fractures The tibia, or shinbone, is the most common fractured long bone in your body. The long bones include the femur, humerus, tibia, and fibula. A tibial shaft fracture occurs along the length of the bone, below the knee and above the ankle. Because it typically takes a major force to break a long bone, other injuries often occur with these types of fractures.

Anatomy The lower leg is made up of two bones: the tibia and fibula. The tibia is the larger of the two bones. It supports most of your weight and is an important part of both the knee joint and ankle joint. The tibia is the larger bone in your lower leg. Tibial shaft fractures occur along the length of the bone. Top of page Types of Tibial Shaft Fractures The tibia can break in several ways. The severity of the fracture usually depends on the amount of force that caused the break. The fibula is often broken as well. Common types of tibial fractures include: Stable fracture: This type of fracture is barely out of place. The broken ends of the bones basically line up correctly and are aligned. In a stable fracture, the bones usually stay in place during healing. Displaced fracture: When a bone breaks and is displaced, the broken ends are separated and do not line up. These types of fractures often require surgery to put the pieces back together. Transverse fracture: This type of fracture has a horizontal fracture line. This fracture can be unstable, especially if the fibula is also broken. Oblique fracture: This type of fracture has an angled pattern and is typically unstable.

If an oblique fracture is initially stable or minimally displaced, over time it can become more out of place. This is especially true if the fibula is not broken. Spiral fracture: This type of fracture is caused by a twisting force. The result is a spiral-shaped fracture line about the bone, like a staircase. Spiral fractures can be displaced or stable, depending on how much force causes the fracture. Comminuted fracture: This type of fracture is very unstable. The bone shatters into three or more pieces. Open fracture: When broken bones break through the skin, they are called open or compound fractures. For example, when a pedestrian is struck by the bumper of a moving car, the broken tibia may protrude through a tear in the skin and other soft tissues. Open fractures often involve much more damage to the surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments. They have a higher risk for complications and take a longer time to heal. Closed fracture: With this injury, the broken bones do not break the skin. Although the skin is not broken, internal soft tissues can still be badly damaged. In extreme cases, excessive swelling may cut off blood supply and lead to muscle death, and in rare cases, amputation.

Top of page Cause High-energy collisions, such as an automobile or motorcycle crash, are common causes of tibial shaft fractures. In cases like these, the bone can be broken into several pieces (comminuted fracture). Sports injuries, such as a fall while skiing or running into another player during soccer, are lower-energy injuries that can cause tibial shaft fractures. These fractures are typically caused by a twisting force and result in an oblique or spiral type of fracture. Top of page Doctor Examination It is important that your doctor knows the circumstances of your injury. For example, if you fell from a tree, how far did you fall? It is just as important for your doctor to know if you sustained any other injuries and if you have any other medical problems, such as diabetes. Your doctor also needs to know if you take any medications. After discussing your symptoms and medical history, your doctor will do a careful examination. He or she will assess your overall condition, and then focus on your leg.

Your doctor will look for: Obvious deformity such as angulation or shortening (the legs are not the same length) Breaks in the skin Swelling Bony prominences under the skin Instability (some patients may retain a degree of stability if the fibula remains intact or the fracture is incomplete) After the visual inspection, your doctor will feel along your leg to see if there are abnormalities of the tibia. If you are awake and alert, your doctor will test your sensation and muscle strength by asking you to move your toes and see if you can feel different areas over your foot and ankle. Other tests that may help your doctor confirm your fracture include: X-rays X-rays can show if the bone is broken and whether there is displacement (the gap between broken bones). They can also show how many pieces of bone there are. X-rays are also useful for identifying the involvement of the knee or ankle joint, and the presence of a fibula fracture. Computed tomography (CT) scan After reviewing your x-rays, your doctor may recommend a CT scan of your leg. This is often done if there is a question of the fracture extending into either the knee or ankle joint. A CT scan shows a cross-sectional image of your limb.

It can provide your doctor with valuable information about the severity of the fracture. Top of page Recovery How long it takes to return to daily activities varies with different types of fractures. Some tibial shaft fractures heal within 4 months, yet many may take 6 months or longer to heal. This is particularly true with open fractures and fractures in patients who are less healthy. Pain Management Pain after an injury or surgery is a natural part of the healing process. Your doctor and nurses will work to reduce your pain, which can help you recover faster. Medications are often prescribed for short-term pain relief after surgery or an injury. Many types of medicines are available to help manage pain, including opioids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and local anesthetics. Your doctor may use a combination of these medications to improve pain relief, as well as minimize the need for opioids. Be aware that although opioids help relieve pain after surgery or an injury, they are a narcotic and can be addictive. Opioid dependency and overdose has become a critical public health issue in the U.S. It is important to use opioids only as directed by your doctor. As soon as your pain begins to improve, stop taking opioids.

Talk to your doctor if your pain has not begun to improve within a few days of your treatment. Early Motion Many doctors encourage leg motion early in the recovery period. For example, if soft tissue injury is present with a fracture, the knee, ankle, foot, and toes may be mobilized early in order to prevent stiffness. Physical Therapy While you are wearing your cast or splint, you will likely lose muscle strength in the injured area. Exercises during the healing process and after your cast is removed are important. They will help you restore normal muscle strength, joint motion, and flexibility. Weight Bearing When you begin walking, you will most likely need to use crutches or a walker. It is very important to follow your doctor's instructions for putting weight on your injured leg to avoid problems. In some cases, doctors will allow patients to put as much as weight as possible on the leg right after surgery. However, you should always follow the specific directions given by your surgeon. Fracture pain usually stops long before the bone is solid enough to handle the stresses of everyday activities. If the bone is not healed and you put weight on it too soon, it could fail to heal.

If that occurs, you may need a secondary surgical procedure, such as bone grafting or revision fixation. Top of page Research Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) make up a new class of proteins that has been identified with factors that promote bone healing. Some of these proteins have been isolated and are now available for use as adjuncts to healing. Studies are ongoing to determine the ultimate value of these proteins, but early reports have been favorable. If you found this article helpful, you may also be interested in Fractures of the Proximal Tibia (Shinbone) Fractures of the Proximal Tibia (Shinbone) (topic.cfm?topic=A00393). Last reviewed: March 2010 Reviewed by members of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association AAOS does not endorse any treatments, procedures, products, or physicians referenced herein. This information is provided as an educational service and is not intended to serve as medical advice. Anyone seeking specific orthopaedic advice or assistance should consult his or her orthopaedic surgeon, or locate one in your area through the AAOS "Find an Orthopaedist" program on this website.

Copyright 2010 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Related Articles Tibia Bone Anatomy, Pictures & Definition | Body Maps Your message has been sent. OK We're sorry, an error occurred. We are unable to collect your feedback at this time. However, your feedback is important to us. Please try again later. Close Tibia The tibia is a large bone located in the lower front portion of the leg. The tibia is also known as the shinbone, and is the second largest bone in the body. There are two bones in the shin area: the tibia and fibula, or calf bone. The fibula is smaller and thinner than the tibia. These two bones connect the ankle to the knee and work together to stabilize the ankle and provide support to the muscles of the lower leg; however, the tibia carries a significant portion of the body weight. Shin Splints: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments Shin Splints Key Points You should see your doctor if you have a shin that feels hot or if pain occurs even while you’re resting, as you may have shin splints. People at higher risk for shin splints include women, people with flat feet or rigid arches, athletes, military recruits, and dancers.

Stop-start sports such as tennis, racquetball, soccer, or basketball are more likely to cause shin splints. The term “shin splints” describes pain felt along the inner edge of your shin bone. Shin splint pain concentrates in the lower leg between the knee and ankle. Your doctor may refer to the condition as medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS). Shin splints frequently affect people who engage in moderate to heavy physical activity. You may be more likely to develop shin splints if you participate in strenuous physical activities or stop-start sports such as tennis, racquetball, soccer, or basketball. Sometimes the pain of shin splints can be so intense that you must stop the activity. Shin splints is a cumulative stress disorder. Repeated pounding and stress on the bones, muscles, and joints of the lower legs prevent your body from being able to naturally repair and restore itself. What Causes Shin Splints? The pain associated with shin splints results from excessive amounts of force on the shin bone and the tissues attaching the shin bone to the muscles surrounding it. The excessive force causes the muscles to swell and increases the pressure against the bone, leading to pain and inflammation.

Shin splints can also result from stress reactions to bone fractures. The constant pounding can cause minute cracks in the bones of the leg. The body can repair the cracks if given time to rest. However, if the body doesn’t get time to rest, the tiny cracks can result in a complete fracture or a stress fracture. Additional causes of shin splints include: an anatomical abnormality (such as flat foot syndrome) muscle weakness in the thighs or buttocks lack of flexibility pain along the inner part of the lower leg tenderness or soreness along the inner part of the lower leg swelling in the lower leg (usually mild, if present) numbness and weakness in the feet See your doctor if your shin splints don’t respond to common treatment methods or if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms: severe pain in your shin after a fall or accident a shin that feels hot a shin that’s visibly inflamed swelling in your shin area that gets worse pain in your shins even when you’re resting How Are Shin Splints Diagnosed? Your doctor will usually be able to diagnose shin splints during a physical exam. They’ll ask you about the types of physical activities you participate in and how often you pursue them.

Doctors may prescribe diagnostic tests such as imaging scans and X-rays if they suspect that you might be suffering from bone fractures or a condition other than shin splints. Treating Shin Splints Shin splints normally require that you take a break from certain physical activities and give your legs time to rest. The discomfort will usually resolve completely in a few hours or at most in a few days with rest and limited activity. The suggested amount of downtime is typically about two weeks. During this time, you can engage in sports or activities that are less likely to cause additional harm to your legs. These activities include swimming or walking. Your doctor will often suggest that you do the following: keep your legs elevated use ice packs to reduce swelling take an over-the-counter pain medication wear elastic compression bandages Check with your doctor before restarting any activities. It’s important to differentiate this condition from more serious conditions affecting the lower leg, such as compartment syndrome or fractures. Warming up before exercise is also a good way to make sure your legs aren’t sore. Shin splints rarely require surgery. Compartment syndrome is a painful condition in which excessive pressure builds within a muscle compartment.

If compartment syndrome happens and the pain is severe, surgery to open the fascia (the thick tissue that surrounds muscle groups) may be necessary. If a muscle tears away from your shin bone, surgery will be necessary to reattach the muscle. Can Shin Splints Be Avoided?

Steps you can take to avoid getting shin splints include: wearing shoes that fit well and offer good support using shock-absorbing insoles avoiding exercise on hard or slanted surfaces or uneven terrain increasing exercise intensity gradually Ankle (Human Anatomy): Image, Function, Conditions, & More Human Anatomy The ankle is a large joint made up of three bones: The shin bone (tibia) The thinner bone running next to the shin bone (fibula) A foot bone that sits above the heel bone (talus) The bony bumps (or protrusions) seen and felt on the ankle have their own names: The medial malleolus, felt on the inside of your ankle is part of the tibia's base The posterior malleolus, felt on the back of your ankle is also part of the tibia's base The lateral malleolus, felt on the outside of your ankle is the low end of the fibula The ankle joint allows up-and-down movement of the foot. The subtalar joint sits below the ankle joint, and allows side-to-side motion of the foot.

Numerous ligaments (made of tough, moveable tissue) surround the true ankle and subtalar joints, binding the bones of the leg to each other and to those of the foot. Ankle Conditions Sprained ankle : Damage to one of the ligaments in the ankle, usually from an accidental twist or turn of the foot. Rehabilitation can prevent pain and swelling from becoming a long-term problem. High ankle sprain : The ligament joining the two bones of the lower leg (tibia and fibula), called the syndesmotic ligament, is injured. A high ankle sprain causes pain and swelling similar to a true ankle sprain, but can take longer to heal. Ankle fracture : A break in any of the three bones in the ankle. Most commonly, the bones of the lower leg (tibia or fibula) is fractured. Ankle arthritis : While it’s not common, osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, can affect the ankle. Rheumatoid arthritis : An autoimmune form of arthritis in which the body attacks joint tissue, causing inflammation, pain, and swelling. Any joint may be affected by rheumatoid arthritis, including the ankle.

Gout : A form of arthritis in which crystals periodically deposit in joints, causing severe pain and swelling. The ankle may sometimes be affected by gout. Psoriatic arthritis : This form of arthritis, which causes swelling and pain, is associated with the skin condition psoriasis. Many joints, including the ankle, may be affected by psoriasis. Septic arthritis : Caused by bacterial infections that may occur in the ankle, this form of arthritis develops quickly, causing severe pain, swelling, fever, and difficulty moving the ankle. Continued Ankle Tests Physical examination : A health-care provider's examination of the ankle may identify whether an ankle fracture, sprain, or another condition is present. Ankle X-ray : An X-ray film of the ankle is most commonly used to determine a fracture, arthritis, or other problems. Stress X-ray : A doctor puts pressure on an injured ankle and takes an X-ray film. Also called a stress film or a stress test, this may uncover ankle problems unseen on regular X-rays. Magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI scan ): An MRI scanner uses a high-powered magnet and a computer to create high-resolution images of the ankle.

Ankle Treatments RICE therapy : RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression (as with an athletic bandage), and Elevation. RICE therapy is good initial treatment for most ankle injuries. Pain medicines : Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve) can ease most ankle pain. Cortisone injections: Injecting cortisone into the ankle can help with some forms of ankle arthritis. Cortisone suppresses inflammation in the ankle joint, reducing swelling and pain. Ankle immobilization : Immobilizing the ankle (usually with a cast) is necessary for most ankle fractures. Some health-care providers believe immobilization may help ankle sprains as well. Ankle surgery: Surgery may be required for many serious ankle conditions. In general, ankle surgery is performed in order to make the ankle more stable. Various techniques are used to keep the ankle bones in place. Syndesmotic screw: A surgeon places a screw connecting the bones of the lower leg. This keeps the bones together, giving a high ankle sprain time to heal. Once healed, the screw is removed.

Ankle arthroscopic surgery: Ankle surgery using tools inserted through small incisions in the ankle. One of the tools, an endoscope, allows a surgeon to view the inside of the ankle joint on a video screen. Ankle fusion surgery : Surgery to fuse the bones of the ankle together, limiting movement in the ankle. Ankle fusion surgery can relieve the pain of severe ankle arthritis Ankle replacement surgery : Although some surgeons perform ankle replacement surgery, the results are generally poor, compared to knee replacement surgery. Watch the video. WebMD Image Collection Reviewed by Varnada Karriem-Norwood, MD on November 15, 2014 Sources Fibula Anatomy and Function Full Fibula Description [Continued from above] . . . At the fibula’s proximal end, just below the knee, is a slightly rounded enlargement known as the head of the fibula. The head of the fibula forms the proximal (superior) tibiofibular joint with the lateral edge of the tibia. From the proximal tibiofibular joint, the fibula extends slightly medially and anteriorly in a straight line toward the ankle.

Upon reaching the ankle, the fibula swells into a bony knob known as the lateral malleolus, which can be seen and felt protruding from the outside of the ankle joint. At the medial malleolus, the fibula forms the distal (inferior) tibiofibular joint with the tibia and also the talocrural (ankle) joint with the tibia and talus of the foot. While the fibula moves very little relative to the tibia, the joints that it forms contribute significantly to the function of the lower leg. The proximal and distal tibiofibular joints permit the fibula to adjust its position relative to the tibia, increasing the range of motion of the ankle. The lateral malleolus also forms the lateral wall of the talocrural joint and reinforces the ankle joint. Many muscles of the thigh and lower leg attach to the fibula through tendons. One of the hamstrings, the biceps femoris muscle, has its insertion at the head of the fibula and pulls on the fibula to flex the leg at the knee.

Eight other muscles – including the three fibularis (peroneus) muscles, the soleus, and several flexors and extensors of the toes – have their origins on the fibula as well. An interesting fact about the fibula is that it can be harvested for tissue to graft onto other bones in the body. The fibula bears so little body weight that it typically has more bone mass than is needed to support the leg, making it a good tissue donor. The bony tissue harvested from the fibula is most commonly grafted onto the mandible to replace bone lost during oral cancer surgery. Skin and blood vessels covering the fibula are grafted along with the osseous (bone) tissue to maintain blood supply to the bone and to close the wound in the face. The remaining tissue in the leg can be sutured together to heal around the donor site. Prepared by Tim Taylor, Anatomy and Physiology Instructor Shin Splints-OrthoInfo - AAOS Copyright 2012 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Shin Splints Shin splints are a common exercise-related problem. The term "shin splints" refers to pain along the inner edge of the shinbone (tibia).

Shin splints typically develop after physical activity. They are often associated with running. Any vigorous sports activity can bring on shin splints, especially if you are just starting a fitness program. Simple measures can relieve the pain of shin splints. Rest, ice, and stretching often help. Taking care not to overdo your exercise routine will help prevent shin splints from coming back. Description Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome) is an inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue around your tibia. Pain typically occurs along the inner border of the tibia, where muscles attach to the bone. Shin splint pain most often occurs on the inside edge of your shinbone. (Reproduced and adapted with permission from Gruel CR: Lower Leg, in Sullivan JA, Anderson SJ (eds): Care of the Young Athlete. Rosemont, IL, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeon, 2000.) Top of page Cause In general, shin splints develop when the muscle and bone tissue (periosteum) in the leg become overworked by repetitive activity. Shin splints often occur after sudden changes in physical activity.

These can be changes in frequency, such as increasing the number of days you exercise each week. Changes in duration and intensity, such as running longer distances or on hills, can also cause shin splints. Other factors that contribute to shin splints include: Having flat feet or abnormally rigid arches Exercising with improper or worn-out footwear Runners are at highest risk for developing shin splints. Dancers and military recruits are two other groups frequently diagnosed with the condition. Flat feet can increase stress on lower leg muscles during exercise. Top of page Symptoms The most common symptom of shin splints is pain along the border of the tibia. Mild swelling in the area may also occur. Shin splint pain may: Top of page Doctor Examination After discussing your symptoms and medical history, your doctor will examine your lower leg. An accurate diagnosis is very important. Sometimes, other problems may exist that can have an impact on healing. Your doctor may order additional imaging tests to rule out other shin problems. Several conditions can cause shin pain, including stress fractures, tendinitis, and chronic exertional compartment syndrome. Stress Fracture If your shin splints are not responsive to treatment, your doctor may want to make sure you do not have a stress fracture.

A stress fracture is a small crack(s) in the tibia caused by stress and overuse. Imaging tests that create pictures of anatomy help to diagnose conditions. A bone scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study will often show stress fractures in the tibia. Tendinitis Tendons attach muscles to bones. Tendinitis occurs when tendons become inflamed. This can be painful like shin splints, especially if there is a partial tear of the involved tendon. An MRI can help diagnose tendinitis. Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome An uncommon condition called chronic exertional compartment syndrome causes symptoms like shin splints. Compartment syndrome is a painful condition that occurs when pressure within the muscles builds to dangerous levels. In chronic exertional compartment syndrome, this is brought on by exercise. Pain usually resolves soon after the activity stops. The tests used to diagnose this condition involve measuring the pressure within the leg compartments before and after exercise. Treatment Nonsurgical Treatment Rest. Because shin splints are typically caused by overuse, standard treatment includes several weeks of rest from the activity that caused the pain. Lower impact types of aerobic activity can be substituted during your recovery, such as swimming, using a stationary bike, or an elliptical trainer.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines. Drugs like ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen reduce pain and swelling. Ice. Use cold packs for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. Do not apply ice directly to the skin. Compression. Wearing an elastic compression bandage may prevent additional swelling. Flexibility exercises. Stretching your lower leg muscles may make your shins feel better. Supportive shoes. Wearing shoes with good cushioning during daily activities will help reduce stress in your shins. Orthotics. People who have flat feet or recurrent problems with shin splints may benefit from orthotics. Shoe inserts can help align and stablize your foot and ankle, taking stress off of your lower leg. Orthotics can be custom-made for your foot, or purchased "off the shelf." Return to exercise. Shin splints usually resolve with rest and the simple treatments described above. Before returning to exercise, you should be pain-free for at least 2 weeks. Keep in mind that when you return to exercise, it must be at a lower level of intensity. You should not be exercising as often as you did before, or for the same length of time.

Be sure to warm up and stretch thoroughly before you exercise. Increase training slowly. If you start to feel the same pain, stop exercising immediately. Use a cold pack and rest for a day or two. Return to training again at a lower level of intensity. Increase training even more slowly than before. Surgical Treatment Very few people need surgery for shin splints. Surgery has been done in very severe cases that do not respond to nonsurgical treatment. It is not clear how effective surgery is, however. Prevention There are things you can do to prevent shin splints. Wear a proper fitting athletic shoe. To get the right fit, determine the shape of your foot using the "wet test." Step out of the shower onto a surface that will show your footprint, like a brown paper bag. If you have a flat foot, you will see an impression of your whole foot on the paper. If you have a high arch, you will only see the ball and heel of your foot. When shopping, look for athletic shoes that match your particular foot pattern. In addition, make sure you wear shoes designed for your sport. Running long distances in court-type sneakers can contribute to shin splints. Slowly build your fitness level.

Increase the duration, intensity, and frequency of your exercise regimen gradually. Cross train. Alternate jogging with lower impact sports like swimming or cycling. Barefoot running. In recent years, barefoot running has gained in popularity. Many people claim it has helped to resolve shin splints. Some research indicates that barefoot running spreads out impact stresses among muscles, so that no area is overloaded. However, there is no clear evidence that barefoot running reduces the risk for any injury. Like any significant change in your fitness regimen, a barefoot running program should be started very gradually. Begin with short distances to give your muscles and your feet time to adjust. Pushing too far, too fast can put you at risk for stress injuries. In addition, barefoot runners are at increased risk for cuts and bruises on their feet. Several brands of minimalist shoes with "toes" are available and these also require a slow working in period as your body adjusts to this different activity. If your shin splints do not improve after rest and other methods described above, be sure to see a doctor to determine whether something else is causing your leg pain.

Top of page Last reviewed: May 2012 AAOS does not endorse any treatments, procedures, products, or physicians referenced herein. This information is provided as an educational service and is not intended to serve as medical advice. Anyone seeking specific orthopaedic advice or assistance should consult his or her orthopaedic surgeon, or locate one in your area through the AAOS "Find an Orthopaedist" program on this website. Copyright 2012 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Related Links What Is Osteosarcoma? What Is Osteosarcoma? About Osteosarcoma What Is Osteosarcoma? Cancer starts when cells in the body begin to grow out of control. Cells in nearly any part of the body can become cancer, and can spread to other areas of the body. To learn more about how cancers start and spread, see What Is Cancer? Osteosarcoma (also called osteogenic sarcoma) is a type of cancer that starts in the bones. To understand osteosarcoma, it helps to know about bones and what they do. About normal bones Many people think of bones as just being part of the skeleton, like the steel girders that support a building.

But bones actually do a number of different things. Some bones help support and protect our vital organs. Examples include the skull bones, breast bone (sternum), and ribs. These types of bones are often referred to as flat bones. Other bones, such as those in the arms and legs, make a framework for our muscles that helps us move. These are called long bones. Bones also make new blood cells. This is done in the soft, inner part of some bones called the bone marrow, which contains blood-forming cells. New red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets are made in bone marrow. Bones also provide the body with a place to store minerals such as calcium. Because bones are very hard and don’t change shape − at least once we reach adulthood − we might not think of bones as being alive, but they are. Like all other tissues of the body, bones have many kinds of living cells. Two main types of cells in our bones help them stay strong and keep their shape. Osteoblasts help build up bones by forming the bone matrix (the connective tissue and minerals that give bone its strength).

Osteoclasts break down bone matrix to prevent too much of it from building up, and they help bones keep their proper shape. By depositing or removing minerals from the bones, osteoblasts and osteoclasts also help control the amount of these minerals in the blood. Osteosarcoma Osteosarcoma is the most common type of cancer that develops in bone. Like the osteoblasts in normal bone, the cells that form this cancer make bone matrix. But the bone matrix of an osteosarcoma is not as strong as that of normal bones. Most osteosarcomas occur in children and young adults. Teens are the most commonly affected age group, but osteosarcoma can occur at any age. In children and young adults, osteosarcoma usually develops in areas where the bone is growing quickly, such as near the ends of the long bones. Most tumors develop in the bones around the knee, either in the distal femur (the lower part of the thigh bone) or the proximal tibia (the upper part of the shinbone). The proximal humerus (the part of the upper arm bone close to the shoulder) is the next most common site.

However, osteosarcoma can develop in any bone, including the bones of the pelvis (hips), shoulder, and jaw. This is especially true in older adults. Subtypes of osteosarcoma Several subtypes of osteosarcoma can be identified by how they look on x-rays and under the microscope. Some of these subtypes have a better prognosis (outlook) than others. Based on how they look under the microscope, osteosarcomas can be classified as high grade, intermediate grade, or low grade. The grade of the tumor tells doctors how likely it is that the cancer will grow and spread to other parts of the body. High-grade osteosarcomas: These are the fastest growing types of osteosarcoma. When seen under a microscope, they do not look like normal bone and have many cells in the process of dividing into new cells. Most osteosarcomas that occur in children and teens are high grade. There are many types of high-grade osteosarcomas (although the first 3 are the most common).

Osteoblastic Symptoms and causes - Shin splints - Mayo Clinic Symptoms and causes Print Symptoms If you have shin splints, you might notice tenderness, soreness or pain along the inner side of your shinbone and mild swelling in your lower leg. At first, the pain might stop when you stop exercising. Eventually, however, the pain can be continuous and might progress to a stress reaction or stress fracture. When to see a doctor Consult your doctor if rest, ice and over-the-counter pain relievers don't ease your shin pain. Causes Shin splints are caused by repetitive stress on the shinbone and the connective tissues that attach your muscles to the bone. Risk factors You're more at risk of shin splints if: You're a runner, especially one beginning a running program You suddenly increase the duration, frequency or intensity of exercise You run on uneven terrain, such as hills, or hard surfaces, such as concrete You're in military training

Question: What is the more formal name for the shinbone ?
Answer: TIBIA