Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome
Medial tibial stress syndrome is a common overuse injury in runners or other athletes that use a lot of running in their training. It is also the most common reason for leg pain when runners talk about “shin splints”. There are a number of different theories as to exactly what it is and a number of different theories as to what causes it.
The treatment usually involves modifying the training routine (eg issues like too much too soon); checking the running shoes; determining if any changes need to be made to the running form; correction of any biomechanical faults; address any issues with bending moments in the tibia; and gradual return to full activity.
The MBT Footwear
The MBT footwear (Masai Barefoot Technology) have been getting a lot of attention at the first and market leader in the so-called toning shoes category. The shoes are deliberately unstable to achieve a number of different effects. Firstly, as they are unstable the muscles have to work harder which is claimed to give the body and extra workout – ie the ‘tone up’. Secondly, they alter the alignment of the posture which can help some people with postural problems.
As to if these shoes actually achieve these effects or not is debatable. Yes, they do make the muscles work harder, but do not necessarily give that much of an extra tone up. Yes, they do alter the alignment of the posture which can help some people, but can equally hurt other people. There really is a lack of clear guidelines on this class of footwear. See these discussions and videos for more. There are plenty of opinions as to if they work or not.