Is taping the shins (shin area) effective for treating shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome) during running?

Taping Shins for Shin Splints During Running

Taping the shins is not recommended as a primary treatment for shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome) during running, as there is insufficient evidence supporting its effectiveness for improving morbidity, mortality, or quality of life outcomes. 1

Understanding Shin Splints and Evidence-Based Management

Shin splints, medically known as medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), are common overuse injuries affecting runners, with potentially serious complications if not properly treated:

• Tibial bone stress injuries (BSIs) are among the most common overuse injuries in runners, with an annual incidence as high as 21.1% in track and field athletes 1
• BSIs have one of the highest recurrence rates of all running-related injuries, with prior BSI increasing recurrence sixfold in females and sevenfold in males 1

Biomechanical Factors and Rehabilitation

The most recent evidence emphasizes addressing biomechanical abnormalities rather than using external supports like taping:

• Running gait analysis and retraining are recommended by multiple studies as they address the root causes of shin splints 1
• Specific biomechanical adjustments that reduce tibial stress include:
  • Reducing stride length or increasing cadence 1
  • Addressing excessive hip adduction during running gait, which is a predictor of tibial BSIs in female runners 1

Evidence on Taping for Shin Splints

While one study showed some potential benefits of kinesio taping compared to orthotics:

• A 2018 study found kinesio taping showed improvements in pain and hop distance compared to standard orthotics in shin splint patients 2
• However, this single study is insufficient to recommend taping over more evidence-based approaches addressing the underlying biomechanical issues 1

Recommended Approach to Shin Splints Management

1. Strength Training and Biomechanical Correction

• Address reduced lower extremity muscle size and strength, which are associated with higher risk of BSIs 1
• Implement resistance training, which has shown positive effects on increasing bone strength, particularly in female runners 1
• Focus on core and proximal strength to optimize lower extremity biomechanics 1

2. Running Surface Considerations

• Evidence regarding running surface is conflicting and unclear 1
• While some studies recommend starting on a treadmill due to reduced peak tibial acceleration 1, others show no clear benefit of softer surfaces 1
• Surface compliance explains less than 10% of tibial acceleration variance; knee joint angle and muscle pre-activation have greater effects 1

3. Training Progression

• Individualize the rate of progression based on risk and grade of the tibial BSI 1
• High-risk tibial BSIs require slower progression and delayed integration of speedwork 1
• In the initial stages post-injury, avoid hills as several studies recommend 1

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Relying solely on external supports: Focusing on taping or bracing without addressing underlying biomechanical issues will likely lead to recurrence 1
• Ignoring sex-specific considerations: Females may benefit from a slower progression due to higher tibial bone stresses across running speeds 1
• Returning to running too quickly: Inadequate management of training parameters contributes to the high recurrence rate of tibial BSIs 1
• Overlooking plyometric training: Running alone does not subject the body to high enough impacts to produce osteogenic effects; plyometric training may be beneficial during advanced rehabilitation 1

In conclusion, while taping may provide temporary symptom relief for some individuals, the strongest evidence supports addressing the underlying biomechanical factors, implementing appropriate strength training, and following a gradual return to running protocol rather than relying on taping for shin splints management.