What are Shin Splints?
Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome) refers to pain along the shinbone (tibia), the large bone in the front of your lower leg. It's common in runners, dancers, and military recruits.
The condition is caused by inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue around the tibia. Without proper treatment, shin splints can progress to stress fractures.
Common Symptoms
- Pain along the inner edge of the shinbone
- Tenderness or soreness along the tibia
- Mild swelling in the lower leg
- Pain that worsens during exercise
- Pain that improves with rest
- Pain in one or both legs
Common Causes
- Sudden increase in training intensity
- Running on hard surfaces
- Worn-out or inappropriate footwear
- Flat feet or overpronation
- Weak hip and core muscles
- Tight calf muscles
- Previous history of shin splints
How We Treat Shin Splints
We assess your running biomechanics, training load, and contributing factors to develop a comprehensive treatment plan. This isn't just about symptom relief. It's about fixing the underlying issues to prevent recurrence. If overpronation is loading the shin, custom insoles can correct the mechanics driving the pain.
Gait Analysis
Custom Orthotics
Strengthening Programme
Training Modification
Ready to get shin splints treated?
When to Seek Professional Help
- Pain doesn't improve with rest
- Severe pain even when not exercising
- Swelling gets worse
- Pain in a specific spot (possible stress fracture)
- You want to return to sport safely
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Shin Splints at Lower Limb Clinic.
Further Reading
Clinically reviewed by Paul McMullan, BSc(Hons) MSc FRCPSGlasg MRCPod
BSc (Hons) Podiatry · MSc Podiatric Sports Medicine (QMUL) · FRCPSGlasg · MRCPod
Lead Podiatrist & Clinical Director, Lower Limb Clinic Belfast