Editing Shin splints (section)

==Pathophysiology==
While the exact mechanism is unknown, shin splints can be attributed to the overloading of the lower leg due to biomechanical irregularities resulting in an increase in stress exerted on the tibia. A sudden increase in intensity or frequency in activity level fatigues muscles too quickly to help shock absorption properly, forcing the tibia to absorb most of the impact. Lack of cushioning footwear, especially on hard surfaces, does not absorb transmitting forces while running or jumping.<ref name="De Permentier">{{Cite journal|last=De Permentier|first=Patrick|date=2014|title=An Anatomical and Physiological Evaluation of the Periosteal Layer Surrounding Bone and Its Implication in Massage Therapy|url=https://search.informit.com.au/documentSummary;dn=948539851010133;res=IELHEA|journal=Journal of the Australian Traditional-Medicine Society|volume=20|pages=272–277}}</ref> This stress is associated with the onset of shin splints.<ref name="Craig, D. I. 2008">{{Cite journal | doi=10.4085/1062-6050-43.3.316| pmid=18523568| pmc=2386425|title = Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome: Evidence-Based Prevention| journal=Journal of Athletic Training| volume=43| issue=3| pages=316–318|year = 2008|last1 = Craig|first1 = Debbie I.}}</ref> Muscle imbalance, including weak core muscles, inflexibility and tightness of lower leg muscles, including the [[gastrocnemius muscle|gastrocnemius]], [[soleus muscle|soleus]], and [[plantar]] muscles (commonly the [[flexor digitorum longus]]) can increase the possibility of shin splints.<ref name=Galbraith>{{Cite journal| doi = 10.1007/s12178-009-9055-6| issn = 1935-973X| volume = 2| issue = 3| pages = 127–133| last1 = Galbraith| first1 = R. Michael| last2 = Lavallee| first2 = Mark E.| title = Medial tibial stress syndrome: conservative treatment options| journal = Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine| date = 7 October 2009| pmid = 19809896| pmc = 2848339}}</ref> The pain associated with shin splints is caused from a disruption of [[Sharpey's fibres]] that connect the medial soleus [[fascia]] through the [[periosteum]] of the tibia where it inserts into the bone.<ref name="Craig, D. I. 2008" /> With repetitive stress, the impact forces eccentrically fatigue the soleus and create repeated tibial bending or bowing, contributing to shin splints. The impact is made worse by running uphill, downhill, on uneven terrain, or on hard surfaces. Improper footwear, including worn-out shoes, can also contribute to shin splints.<ref>{{cite web|last=Lobby|first=Mackenzie|date=9 September 2014|title=Running 101: How To Select The Best Pair Of Running Shoes|url=http://running.competitor.com/2014/09/shoes-and-gear/running-101-how-to-select-the-best-pair-of-running-shoes_49598|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140913081223/http://running.competitor.com/2014/09/shoes-and-gear/running-101-how-to-select-the-best-pair-of-running-shoes_49598/2|archive-date=2014-09-13|website=Competitor.com}}</ref><ref name="webmd.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/shin-splints#2|title=Shin Splints Symptoms, Treatment, Recovery, and Prevention|website=WebMD}}</ref>