What Happens to Untreated Shin Splints?
Failure to cure shin splints may result in a complex stress fracture recovering from which is a time consuming and shinnying process. As you know, shin splints is an injury that occurs due to damage in the lower leg bone especially in the mid shaft position. When the condition worsens, it might end up inciting terrible pain and inflammation owing to the distressed state of the muscles and a few tendons. Overusing these affected parts aggravate their state and make them worn out over time. Therefore, you’re advised to meet a doctor and discuss your case with him, if you have not seen any major improvement even after the passing of a few weeks.
Delayed onset muscle soreness or DOMS as it is called briefly, is another severe complication that comes about if one ignores the symptoms and fails to take adequate measures to cure shin splints. This condition is pretty similar to a state of acute injury which is generally triggered by excess burn out of the concerned muscles. MRI scans may reveal the severity of this problem and can help ascertain whether a stress fracture has happened or not. It takes more time to heal than what it takes to cure shin splints. Constant exercising and burning out of muscles is not ideal for any type of body. Not only it leads to a serious injury, but it also takes a toll on your mental health which is very essential considering your recovery process.
Chronic compartment syndrome (CCS) comes up as an aftermath of untreated shin splints case. The worst case scenario is that this condition may severe the lower leg so bad that it stops functioning as usual. Because of the swollen compartments of the lower leg, the blood flow is clogged and as a result the leg loses its normal functionality. And, at times, one needs to undergo an emergency surgery to avoid further complications.