Anterior Compartment Syndrome

Anterior Shin Splints

The tibialis anterior is the big muscle on the outside of the shin, it is surrounded by a sheath. When this muscle gets too big for the sheath, it causes pain and anterior compartment syndrome arises. Compartment syndromes can be acute or chronic.

Causes of acute Anterior Compartment Syndrome

• Bleeding in the compartment (this will cause swelling) normally caused by an impact.
• A tear in the muscle causing bleeding.
• Swelling caused by over use.

Symptoms of Anterior Compartment Syndrome

• If caused by a blow there will obviously be a sharp pain in the muscle on the outside of the lower leg at that point.
• Weakness when trying to pull the foot upwards against resistance.
• The tibialis anterior may be swollen and tender.
• Pain when the foot and toes are bent downwards.

Causes of Chronic Anterior Compartment Syndrome

• Over-use and over developing the muscle at the front of the lower leg.
• When exercising the blood vessels fill up, increasing pressure on the sheath and causing pain.
• The sheath becomes inelastic and unable to expand.

Symptoms of Chronic Compartment Syndrome

• Pain which increases during exercise which eventually makes running impossible.
• Pain goes after a short rest but comes back again during exercise.
• Difficulty in lifting the toes and foot up.
• Pain when pulling the toes and foot downwards.

Please see the Virtual Sports Injury Clinic for more information on how to treat Anterior Compartment Syndrome