Can Telemedicine Treat Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome)?

Audience: pediatric

Shin splints, also known as Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome, cause pain along the inner edge of the lower leg. They often happen in children and teens who run or jump a lot. Telemedicine can help by letting doctors talk with you about your symptoms, suggest ways to reduce pain, and guide you on safe activities. However, some problems need an in-person check-up. If the pain is very bad, swelling happens, or you cannot walk, you should see a doctor in person. Telemedicine is a helpful first step to learn about shin splints, but it cannot replace a full physical exam or imaging tests. This guide explains what telemedicine can do for shin splints, what to watch for, and how to prepare for your virtual visit.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe or worsening pain that does not improve with rest — seek in-person medical care promptly.
• Swelling, redness, warmth, or bruising around the shin — these may indicate a serious injury or infection needing urgent evaluation.
• Inability to walk or put weight on the leg — this requires immediate medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial evaluation of shin pain and symptoms.
• Providing advice on rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) techniques.
• Guidance on modifying physical activity and exercises.
• Determining if symptoms require urgent in-person care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations requiring hands-on assessment.
• Ordering or interpreting imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs.
• Treating severe injuries, fractures, or infections.
• Providing emergency care for acute leg injuries.

What Are Shin Splints?

Shin splints cause pain along the shin bone (tibia). They happen when muscles, tendons, and bone tissue around the shin get stressed from too much activity. This is common in young athletes who run, jump, or change directions quickly. The pain usually feels like soreness or tenderness on the inside of the lower leg.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Through a video or phone call, a healthcare provider can ask about your symptoms and activities. They can give advice on resting, stretching, and using ice to ease pain. They may suggest ways to change your exercise routine to avoid more injury. Telemedicine can also help decide if you need to see a doctor in person for further tests.

When You Need In-Person Care

If your pain is severe or gets worse despite home care, you should see a doctor face-to-face. Also, if your leg is swollen, bruised, or you cannot put weight on it, an in-person visit is important. These signs could mean a more serious injury like a fracture or infection.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

Before your visit, write down your symptoms, when they started, and what activities make the pain better or worse. Have a parent or guardian with you if you are a child. Wear comfortable clothes so you can show your leg if the doctor asks. Make sure your device camera works well for video calls.

After Your Telemedicine Visit

Follow the advice given by your healthcare provider. This may include resting, applying ice, and doing specific stretches. Keep track of your symptoms and report any changes. If your provider recommends an in-person visit or tests, try to schedule them promptly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down when your shin pain started and what activities affect it.
• Note any other symptoms like swelling, bruising, or difficulty walking.
• Have a parent or guardian available to assist if you are a child.
• Wear clothing that allows easy viewing of your lower leg during the video call.
• Test your internet connection and camera before the appointment.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on rest and pain management.
• Apply ice to the affected area as recommended to reduce pain and swelling.
• Perform any suggested stretching or strengthening exercises carefully.
• Monitor your symptoms and report any worsening or new signs.
• Schedule an in-person visit if advised or if red-flag symptoms appear.

FAQs

What causes shin splints in children?

Shin splints often happen because of repetitive stress on the shin bone and surrounding tissues. Activities like running, jumping, or playing sports without enough rest can cause this pain.

Can telemedicine diagnose shin splints?

Telemedicine can help evaluate your symptoms and suggest if you likely have shin splints. However, a full diagnosis may require a physical exam or imaging tests done in person.

How can I relieve shin splint pain at home?

Resting from activities that cause pain, applying ice to your shin for 15-20 minutes several times a day, and gentle stretching can help reduce pain and swelling.

When should I see a doctor in person?

If your pain is very severe, gets worse, or if you notice swelling, bruising, or cannot walk, you should see a healthcare provider face-to-face promptly.

Can shin splints cause long-term problems?

If treated properly, shin splints usually heal well. Ignoring pain and continuing high-impact activities without rest may lead to more serious injuries.

Sources

1. MedlinePlus: Shin Splints — U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. MedlinePlus: Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome — U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
3. Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome) — Mayo Clinic.
4. Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome: A Review — National Library of Medicine.
5. Sports Injuries in Children and Adolescents — American Academy of Pediatrics.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have severe symptoms or concerns, please seek direct evaluation by a healthcare professional.