Use of foot orthoses and calf stretching for individuals with medial tibial stress syndrome.

Use of orthotics and calf stretching may alleviate symptoms in runners with medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS). The objective of this study was to determine which patients with MTSS have a positive response to off-the-shelf foot orthoses and calf stretching based on selected clinical tests to establish a clinical prediction rule. This prospective cohort/predictive validity study enrolled 23 women and men aged 22 to 44 years with symptoms of MTSS. Interventions included off-the-shelf basic foot orthotics and calf stretching. Fifteen of the 23 runners had a 50% reduction of pain in 3 weeks of intervention. Duration was a significant factor that differentiated groups. Although an initial treatment for runners with MTSS may include off-the-shelf orthotics and calf stretching, this regimen should be only one component of an individualized rehabilitation program.