I’ve been treating bilateral shin splints, presumably due to overuse (running, soccer, etc.) for the last 6 months. The shin pain started in my lower shin, but after ceasing running for 3 months and only using the stationary bike, and occasionally the elliptical, that pain resided. I started running again about two months ago, but stopped again, this time due to pain on my upper, outer shin. When I tried to pinpoint the source of the pain with my fingers, I noticed 2–3 fairly substantial “dents” on both of my shins (along the outside); pressing them caused a sharp pain. So I went to a sports med doctor. Two, in fact. Both said the dents are nothing to worry about, and may have been caused by “being kicked.” However I am relatively certain the dents are new and may have been caused by running, as I don’t recall ever being kicked there, and if I had been, I was wearing shin guards (which to me would seem to preclude any “dent” from forming, although I could be wrong). I got an MRI, the diagnosis of which was normal tibias with no evidence of stress fractures or stress reactions. Apparently the dents did not even show up on the MRI. While that’s good news, I still get pain around these “dents” after running; usually a soreness during and after a run about 2–3 on the pain scale, and 6–7 upon palpation. Both doctors equivocate tremendously when I ask them about what causes these. I’ve googled the subject and apparently others have experienced the dents, but I am nervous as to what they may be. This is extremely frustrating as I am a runner… it’s just what I do to keep myself sane, and I’m very distraught at the prospect of not being able to run anymore. I have looked into orthotics, PT, running on dirt, better shoes, etc. but am more interested in simply what is causing the dents, and how to get rid of them (if possible). The doctors are simply telling me to “use pain as my guide”, but I’m looking for a better explanation. Any ideas would be very much appreciated!

Topics: sports, injuries, medicine, running, exercise, shoes, doctors, athletics, physical therapy, Sports Injuries, sports medicine