Shree Joshi Joshi 1

August 18 2019

Science Fair Lit Review

Literature Review

Many athletes, specifically runners, have been diagnosed with shin splints at

some point in their life. Shin splints occur when the muscles, bone tissue, and the

tendons are overworked and begin to tear. They are usually self treatable and are healed

within 1-2 weeks. However, often times, athletes continue to exercise on shin splints and

this can lead to more serious injuries such as stress fractures. My science fair project

deals with a device to prevent stress fractures for athletes.

In Is it Shin Splints or a stress fracture by Andrea Hamel, the author examines

symptoms, causes, treatment, and prevention for shin splints and stress fractures. (Hamel,

Andrea. “Is It Shin Splints or a Stress Fracture?” Is It Shin Splints or a Stress Fracture?,

blog.muellersportsmed.com/is-it-shin-splints-or-a-stress-fracture.) She also discusses the

major differences between the two. For example, many runners describe shin splints as a

tight pain while stress fractures are described as more of a throbbing pain. Hamel also

argues the fact that many runners overtrain even with shin splints and in consequence

obtain stress fractures. Dr. Jordan Metzel brings up a similar argument in his article,

Everything You Need to Know on How to Treat Shin Splints

(https://www.runnersworld.com/health-injuries/a20857494/how-to-treat-shin-splints/.)

Metzel dives into what occurs at an anatomical level when athletes experience shin

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splints. He states that bone related shin pain, when irritated, is what causes stress

fractures and he examines various methods to prevent them such as getting new running

shoes, shortening your running stride, and training your hips and core. The pain

associated with obtaining shin splints derives from the surplus amount of force being put

on the shin bone and the tissue and ligaments surrounding it. This leads to the muscle

swelling and results in pain and inflammation.

In a research article by Kathleen Carr and Erika Steveson, they examined

methods used to prevent/heal shin splints such as investigating stretching and they

conducted 4 trials with different shoe insoles to heal shin splints but found that they had

no benefit. The only way they found that truly reduced the pain and eventually healed the

athletic's shin splints was to reduce the intensity in their workout. By reducing the

intensity of a workout, elss stress

The NYU Landon Health organization published an article discussing other

methods to preventing shin splints which also examining the role nutrition and weight

plays into developing shin splints. “Nutritionists at NYU Langone Orthopedic Center

suggest consuming foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, such as yogurt, leafy greens,

salmon, and eggs. Dietary supplements can also ensure you’re getting the recommended

daily amount of these nutrients.” (NYU Health Organization p3) These suggestions can

reduce the risk of stress fractures by helping develop stronger bones which are less

susceptible to breaks or pain in the bones . The NYU Health Organization also

exmanineshow weight can affect the likelihood of obtaining shin splints. Inexperienced

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runners often push themselves too hard in the beginning when their legs are not properly

conditioned. Building up strength and stamina before starting a high intensity workout

plan can decrease the chances of shin splints and stress fractures dramatically.

Works Cited
Hamel, Andrea. “Is It Shin Splints or a Stress Fracture?” Is It Shin Splints or a Stress

Fracture?, blog.muellersportsmed.com/is-it-shin-splints-or-a-stress-fracture.

Carr, K., & Sevetson, E. (2008). How can you help athletes prevent and treat shin splints?

(cover story). Journal of Family Practice, 57(6), 406. Retrieved from

http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aqh&AN=32747729&site=ehost-

live

Metzl, Jordan. “How to Treat and Prevent Every Runner's Worst Nightmare: Shin Splints.”

Runner's World, Runner's World, 14 May 2019, www.runnersworld.com/health-

injuries/a20857494/how-to-treat-shin-splints/.

“Preventing Stress Fractures.” Patient Care at NYU Langone Health,

nyulangone.org/conditions/stress-fractures/prevention.