Medial tibial stress syndrome can be diagnosed reliably using history and physical examination

Abstract

Our findings show that MTSS can be reliably diagnosed clinically using history and physical examination, in clinical practice and research settings. We also found that concurrent lower leg injuries are common in athletes with MTSS.

Is There a Pathological Gait Associated With Common Soft Tissue Running Injuries?

“…The injured group included participants with a current diagnosis of either PFP, ITBS, MTSS, or AT. Injury diagnosis was confirmed after a physical examination by a qualified physical therapist in accordance with previously published diagnostic criteria for PFP, 6 ITBS, 17 MTSS, 54 and AT 22 (see Appendix 1, available in the online version of this article). All participants reported being able to run up to 10 minutes before the onset of pain and maximal pain during running of greater than 3 of 10 on a numerical rating scale (0 = no pain, 10 = worst possible pain).…”

Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome in Novice and Recreational Runners: A Systematic Review

“…Results for the diagnosis of MTSS are displayed in Table 5 . Although medical history and physical examination, principally through palpation, are crucial both for the evaluation of lower extremity pain and for the diagnosis of MTSS [ 34 ], complementary imaging techniques are keys to confirming the presence of this injury.…”

Overuse injuries in the athlete

“…Diagnosis can be made on clinical features. 23 Should investigations be ordered, X-ray, bone scan and magnetic resonance imaging will reveal stress fractures. Stress reactions will generally not be seen on X-ray.…”