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The patella tendon is an extension of the quadriceps muscles that attaches the kneecap to the shinbone. It is susceptible to overuse injuries where there is a lot of loading going through the quadriceps for example jumping or landing, hence its nickname ‘jumpers knee’. In the early stages of pain there may just be tendon inflammation, however if this isn’t treated properly it can progress to patella tendinosis, where degenerative changes are taking place.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
Symptoms include aching along the lower half of the tibia, usually anywhere from a few centimeters to half way up the shin. Pain is often worse during high impact activities and may progress to stress fractures of the tibia.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF SHIN SPLINTS?
Shin splints are not a single medical condition. They are a symptom of an underlying problem. Shin splints often occur in people with flat feet. Excessive pronation causes the muscles and tendons in the front of the leg to overstretch and work harder during activity. Wearing inappropriate footwear when running, running on hard surfaces, muscle weakness and muscle tightness can all contribute to the development of shin pain.
