Some biomechanical aspects of the foot and ankle in athletes with and without shin splints

Abstract

Thirteen adult male athletes (long-distance runners and orienteerers without foot problems) and 35 male ath letes with shin splints were compared with respect to: 1) the position of the lower leg and the heel while standing, 2) the passive range of mobility in the subtalar joint, and 3) the angular displacement between the calcaneus and the midline of the lower leg (Achilles tendon angle) while running with bare feet on a tread mill. In standing, the two groups differed statistically significantly in the Achilles tendon angle, which values were greater in the shin splint group. With respect to passive mobility, the athletes with shin splints had significantly greater (P < 0.05-0.01) angular displace ment values in inversion, eversion, and in their sum than the control group. While running, the Achilles tendon angle of the shin splint group was significantly greater (P < 0.01) at the heel strike. Further, the shin splints group had a significantly greater (P < 0.01) angular displacement between the heel strike and the maximal everted position. The results suggest struc tural and functional differences in the feet and ankles between healthy athletes and those with shin splints.