shin splits explained

Shin Splints


Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fascia

 

Runners Knee

Runners Knee

Newsletter Autumn 2006


Shin Splints

Shin Splints is a term often used to describe exercise-induced stress reactions upon the lower leg structures. These structures include bone, muscle, tendon and connective tissue. They are generally associated with overuse, a common problem among runners.

The most frequently affected site is where anterior tibial muscles anchor into the lower third of the shin bone. These muscles function as decelerators of the foot at heel strike, and can be overused when running on hard surfaces or over striding. As well as decelerating foot slap at heel strike, the anterior tibial muscles counter excess pronatory forces; Consequently, runners with pronated feet stress the anterior tibial muscles far more than neutral runners.



Plantar Fascia

The plantar fascia is the thick connective tissue which supports the arch of the foot. It runs from the tuberosity of the calcaneus forward to the heads of the metatarsal bones. It is the source of the painful condition of plantar fasciatiis.

What is Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the thick, fibrous band of tissue that reaches from the heel to the toes, supporting the muscles of the bottom of the foot. "Plantar" refers to the bottom of the foot; "fascia" is supportive tissue. When the plantar fascia becomes overly stretched, tiny tears can riddle its surface. The band of fascia can ultimately swell and become quite painful. While some people have attributed this type of pain to bony growths called heel spurs, it is now believed that heel spurs are usually just a coincidental finding in people with plantar fasciitis.



Patellofemoral Syndrome (Runner's Knee)

What is runner's knee?
Patello-Femoral Syndrome refers to pain behind or around the knee cap (patella). The condition is characterized by the kneecap rubbing against the thighbone (femur) when moving. The patella is embedded in the common tendon of the quadriceps muscles and forms part of the knee joint by articulating with the femur. There is a groove at the bottom of the femur that allows the patella to move through it as a pulley when the quads are in action. However, should the pull of the quadriceps be unequal, the patella will deviate to one side, rubbing painfully along the patellar groove.




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