Risk factors for shin splints in running sports
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71395/ijhp.2.2.2025.5Abstract
Background and Objectives: Shin splints is pain on anterior side of lower leg below knee and above ankle also called medial Tibial stress syndrome (MTSS).Shin splints are common in players participating in running sports. Risk factors for shin splints in these sports are over activity, playing on hard surface, using inappropriate foot wear, foot deformity in players, no warm up and no stretching. To study risk factors for shin splints in running sports in Lahore.
METHODOLOGY: A case control study was conducted in Lahore in 2017 in which 179 players were included and
risk factors for shin splints were studied in these players. Data was collected from players, using self-structured questionnaire.
RESULTS: Odds ratio for stretching before running was 0.929, and odds ratio for inappropriate foot wear was 0.971, so they were not proved as risk factors for shin splints. Odds ratio for not warming up before running was 1.383, Odds ratio for players playing on hard surfaces was 1.262, Odds ratio for shin splints in players having any foot deformity was 1.048 and odds ratio for players running more than 100km per week was calculated 1.60 so these are proved risk factors. Mean age for players having shin splints was calculated as 22.2 and the range of age for players was 15 to 30.
CONCLUSION: Odds ratio for over activity, running on hard surface, foot deformity and players not warming up before running were more than 1, so they are proved as risk factors for shin splints. Two risk factors using inappro- priate foot wear and stretching before running were not proved as risk factors for shin splints.
KEYWORDS: Shin plates, sports, medial tibial stress syndrome, players
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