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Shin Splints

Foot & Ankle Care of Colorado

What is Shin Splints?

Shin splints, or medial tibial stress syndrome, refer to pain along the shin bone (tibia)—the large bone in the front of the lower leg. This condition is common among runners, dancers, and military recruits.

Shin splints typically develop in athletes who have recently intensified or altered their training routines, leading to overuse of muscles, tendons, and bone tissue.

Most cases of shin splints can be effectively managed with rest, ice, and self-care measures. Wearing appropriate footwear and adjusting exercise routines are essential in preventing recurrent shin splints.

Causes of Shin Splints

Shin splints are caused by repetitive stress on the shinbone and the connective tissues that attach your muscles to the bone.

Shin Splints Symptoms

If you have shin splints, you might notice tenderness, soreness or pain along the inner side of your shinbone and mild swelling in your lower leg. At first, the pain might stop when you stop exercising. Eventually, however, the pain can be continuous and might progress to a stress reaction or stress fracture.

Shin Splints Diagnoses

Shin splints are usually diagnosed based on your medical history and a physical exam. In some cases, an X-ray or other imaging studies can help identify other possible causes for your pain, such as a stress fracture.

Nonsurgical Treatments

In most cases, you can treat shin splints with simple self-care steps:

  • Rest. Avoid activities that cause pain, swelling or discomfort — but don’t give up all physical activity. While you’re healing, try low-impact exercises, such as swimming, bicycling or water running.

 

  • Ice. Apply ice packs to the affected shin for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, four to eight times a day for several days. To protect your skin, wrap the ice packs in a thin towel.

 

  • Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Try ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), naproxen sodium (Aleve) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) to reduce pain.

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