The Effectivity of Prolotherapy Treatment in Shin Splint: A Randomized Controlled Study

Objective: Shin Splints (SS) is one of the most common reasons for post-exercise pain especially in athletes and in army recruits. The purpose of this randomized controlled clinical study is to evaluate the effectivity of prolotherapy for the treatment of SS. Materials-Methods: Forty-four patients with shin splints have symptoms more than three months were divided into prolotherapy (n=22) and exercise (n=22) groups. Ultrasound-guided injections were performed under aseptic conditions using a 27 G needle with a solution of 6.6 ml 15% dextrose and 0.4 ml lidocaine to the posteromedial border of the tibia through up to seven different points (1 cc solution to each point) in the prolotherapy group for 3 times in every 21 days. The exercise program was given for 12 weeks to exercise group. The VAS and functional scores were performed at the beginning, 3, 6 and 24 weeks. Results: There were statistically significant differences in Lower Extremity Functional Score after 3, 6, 24 weeks, and VAS after 3 and 6 weeks of the treatment (p= 0.023, p=0.006, p=0.005, p=0.013, p<0.001 respectively). Conclusions Prolotherapy can be preferred in the treatment of shin splints because of its rapid results. Also, an easy and inexpensive application method.