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1: Mil Med. 2006 Jan;171(1):40-4.Links
Comment in:
Mil Med. 2006 Jul;171(7):ix.

A randomized controlled trial of a leg orthosis versus traditional treatment for soldiers with shin splints: a pilot study.

Johnston E, Flynn T, Bean M, Breton M, Scherer M, Dreitzler G, Thomas D.

Physical Therapy Department, Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Bragg, NC 28310, USA.

Diagnosis and management strategies for shin splints in active duty military populations closely resemble those in civilian athletic populations. There is a paucity of evidence supporting the use of many of these interventions. The purpose of this study was to present data on the Shin Saver orthosis as a treatment for shin splints in an active duty military population and to review current condition management. Twenty-five subjects diagnosed with shin splints by a U.S. Army physical therapist were randomly assigned to a shin orthosis treatment group or a control group. There was no significant difference between treatment and control groups in days to finish a 0.5-mile run pain free. Visual analog scales for pain at intake versus after 1 week of relative rest revealed no significant improvement in symptoms in either group. Current best-practice guidelines support a treatment program of rest, cryotherapy, and a graduated walk-to-run program.

PMID: 16532872 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]