Tendonitis in the shin
definition
Tendonitis on the shin is an inflammation of the tendons.
Generally, between tendinitis (Tendonitis) and tendinitis (Tendovaginitis) can be distinguished. Often caused by incorrect and excessive strain, in rare cases infectious diseases and injuries can lead to inflammation of the tendons of the shin.
Although tendinitis can take a long time to heal, if symptoms persist, a doctor should be consulted for further therapy planning.
Causes of tendinitis in the shin
There are many possible causes that can lead to tendinitis on the shinbone. Most often, overloading the muscles and tendons is the reason for the inflammation. Athletes who expose the tendons to particular stress are therefore at risk of developing tendinitis.
Injuries to the tendons due to accidents or the like can also lead to inflammation. This is especially the case when infectious pathogens get to the tendon through injuries and the infection causes inflammation.
Last but not least, rheumatic diseases or degenerative diseases of the muscles and tendons can also cause tendinitis.
Tendonitis after jogging: Shin splints
Often times, doing specific exercise, particularly jogging or running, can be blamed for causing symptoms. In this case, it is reasonable to assume that it is the so-called shin splint syndrome (medial tibial edge syndrome, "shin splints") acts. So far it has not been possible to clearly clarify which structure is causing the complaints. It is assumed that overloading the muscles leads to overstimulation and inflammation of the muscle and tendon.
An injury to the muscle in the form of a muscle fiber tear is also possible. Inflammation of the periosteum also occurs, which manifests itself in extremely severe pain, especially when exerted. In order to achieve the fastest possible improvement, a doctor should be consulted. Conservative, symptom-relieving measures as well as consistent protection of the affected leg are in the foreground of the therapy options. Imaging examinations are necessary in the case of acute pain in order to rule out a bone fracture, which can cause similar symptoms.
Read more about this under Periosteum inflammation on the shin
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Symptoms of tendinitis on the shin
The main symptom of tendinitis on the shin bone is severe pain in the affected area. The pain is typically greatest during exertion. Sting-like pain in the shin is common. Pressure on the shin can also cause severe pain.
In addition to the pain, there are often other symptoms which, as signs of inflammation, can indicate the underlying disease. This includes reddening of the shin, swelling and a more or less severe loss of function of the tendon and the associated muscle.
An infection of the tendon can cause other symptoms such as fever and a poor general condition. Injuries to the tibia with subsequent infection and inflammation can be associated with the formation of pus in the wound.
You may also be interested in this topic: Lump on the shin
Grinding from tendinitis on the shin
Limescale deposits can cause a crunch to be heard when moving. These limescale deposits mostly consist of calcium pyrophasphate and precipitate as crystals in joints and sometimes on the eyes and optic sheaths. They lead to friction that can not only be extremely painful, but also audible and palpable.
This topic could also interest you: Calcification of the tendon
Diagnosis of tendinitis of the tibia
In order to be able to make the diagnosis of tendinitis of the tibia, a doctor should be consulted. This can often make a suspected diagnosis based on the symptoms and a detailed anamnesis. A functional test of the muscle and the associated tendon can also provide an indication of the underlying disease.
In rare cases, it can be useful to initiate further diagnostic measures in order to establish the diagnosis. Imaging processes in particular are in the foreground of these possibilities. In particular, an MRI scan and an ultrasound scan of the tendon can provide clues that there is tendinitis of the tibia.
How do you distinguish tendinitis from a fatigue break?
Fatigue fractures are particularly common in competitive athletes or in people with previous illnesses such as osteoporosis or rheumatoid arthritis. A distinction is made between stress and insufficiency fractures. The former in athletes, who often stress the bones and thus create more and more small cracks. The symptoms usually come on slowly; Pain on exertion, redness or palpable swelling can indicate a stress fracture.
The tendinitis is also only slowly noticeable, the pain is particularly intense during exercise, but after a longer course it is also more noticeable at rest. Redness and swelling may also occur, as well as increased sensitivity to heat in the area. In the further course, limescale deposits can occur, which cause both audible and tactile crunching.
Therapy of tendinitis on the shin
The therapy for tendinitis on the shinbone is primarily based on the reason that is responsible for the inflammation. Depending on the underlying cause, mainly conservative therapy methods are in the foreground of therapy. If an underlying systemic disease or tendon injury cannot be diagnosed, tendon overload is likely.
Conservative methods that are used in the treatment of tendinitis are primarily to protect the affected tendon as well as taking pain reliever and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Sufficient protection of the tendon can be achieved by completely avoiding sport, general protection of the tendon, a tape bandage, splint or, in rare cases, a plaster of paris. In addition, physical therapy can also help treat the inflammation and shorten the time it takes to heal. If these conservative measures are implemented consistently, complete healing of the tendon and freedom from symptoms can be assumed.
If the tendon is damaged due to an injury, surgical measures are often the beginning of the course of therapy. In this case, it may be necessary to clean the wound and, if necessary, to restore the tendon.
This topic might interest you: Home remedies for tendinitis
Taping for tendinitis on the shin
Taping can accelerate the healing process. Both the additional stability that relieves the affected areas and the pressure that is relieved from the inflamed tendons are quickly perceived as a positive improvement.
The tape should also have a positive effect on fluid circulation. This means that pollutants are removed more quickly and the symptoms of inflammation are alleviated. The endogenous analgesic system should also be influenced. This means that taping activates certain receptors that are responsible for the body's own pain relief.
You usually need two strips for taping. One is attached to the inside of the heel and then pulled under tension over the bottom of the foot to the outside of the foot and then pulled up to the painful part of the leg. The second strip is also attached to the inside of the heel and now runs around the outside of the heel and then attached to the outside of the foot.
Read more about this: Tape bandage
Plaster of paris for tendinitis on the shin
The application of a plaster cast should in any case force protection of the area in the cast. This can be necessary in the case of tendinitis, if protection cannot be achieved in any other way or is insufficient. The application of a plaster cast is an exception in the treatment of tendinitis. Normally, conservative measures are sufficient to be able to treat the disease.
Duration of tendinitis on the shin
Tendonitis is a disease that usually takes a long time to heal. Nevertheless, the chances of recovery are usually very good. Normally, a healing of between 2 weeks for mild courses of up to 4 months for pronounced inflammatory courses can be assumed. Long courses are often caused by inconsistent protection of the tendon or underlying diseases or an injury to the tendon.
Other factors have a decisive influence on the time it takes to achieve complete freedom from symptoms. Continuous stress on the tendon can significantly increase the healing time. Even if the therapeutic measures are initiated late, more time can pass before the patient is completely free of symptoms.
If the tendinitis has not improved after several months, a doctor should be consulted again to see whether the therapy can be adjusted.
When can you start exercising again?
In general, if you have tendinitis, you shouldn't start exercising too early.
With many injuries these days, it is said that immobilization is probably not the best option. In the case of tendinitis it is exactly that. The immobilization can be achieved with bandages as well as with special splints and should take place over a few weeks. Especially at night, when the tendon has time to recover, a splint or a bandage should be worn so that the healing process is not prevented by bent incorrect posture.
If you start to strain the inflamed tendon too early, the symptoms keep getting worse and a vicious circle begins. This puts the sport even further in the distance. Instead of strenuous exercises that ignore the inflammation, one should gently restore the mobility of the joints and slowly strengthen the surrounding and affected muscle groups.
Furthermore, phases of stretching exercises and warm-up exercises must be observed before training. The tendons have to gradually get used to the higher stress and there should be breaks in between so that the affected area can recover. It is also important to use the right equipment for the sport you are practicing. Bandages or tapes can also be helpful here to give stability and security. It is particularly important that the inflammation does not become chronic and that you have a feel for your body. So you will feel which movements are already possible and which ones you should rather wait some time with.
