Treatment of Anterior Compartment Syndrome

Treatment of Anterior Shin Splints

• Rest until there is no pain. If possible exercise the upper body or swimming / cycling can be done to maintain fitness.
• Apply cold therapy which will help reduce pain and swelling.
• Visit a sports injury professional who can confirm diagnosis and advice on further treatment.
• A doctor may prescribe NSAIDs anti-inflammatory medication e.g. ibuprofen (not to be taken if you have asthma).
• Correct any biomechanical disfunction such as over pronation with orthotic devices or inserts which go into shoes.
• If symptoms persist, operate. A small cut or two in the muscle sheath to allow the muscle to expand out relieving pressure.

Treatment of Chronic Anterior Compartment Syndrome

• Rest until there is no pain.
• See a sports massage therapist to increase the elasticity of the muscle sheath.
• Apply heat and use a heat retainer of support.
• A doctor may prescribe diuretics and anti-inflammatory medication.
• Analyse training methods, running gait and types of shoe to determine any contributory factors.
• If symptoms persist operate.

For both conditions, it may be useful to seek sports massage, which can reduce tension in the muscles of the lower leg. By reducing this tension, the leg is allowed to heal more eaily and the injury is less likely to occur.

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