Understanding shin splints
Shin splints, more precisely medial tibial stress syndrome, describes pain along the inner border of the shin bone where muscle and bone interface under repetitive load. It typically builds gradually rather than arriving suddenly.
It sits on a spectrum. Left unmanaged, persistent bone stress can progress to a stress fracture, which is why early assessment is worth the appointment.
Signs you might notice
- Aching along the inner shin during or after running
- Tenderness spread over several centimetres of bone
- Pain that eases with rest but returns on the next run
- Discomfort early in a run that may warm up
- Symptoms worsening on hard surfaces
Common contributing factors
- Increasing training volume too quickly
- Running technique that increases impact loading
- Foot posture and control affecting how load transmits
- Calf and hip weakness
- Worn or unsuitable footwear
How we assess and treat it
We differentiate shin splints from other causes of shin pain, then examine how you run. Gait and pressure analysis show your loading rate and where the shin is taking more than its share.
The plan combines settling symptoms with correcting the loading pattern and rebuilding training volume sensibly, so it does not simply return in the next training block.
- Load management and training plan adjustment
- Running technique and gait retraining
- Calf, foot and hip strengthening
- Hands-on treatment for symptom relief
- Footwear review and referral if a stress fracture is suspected
Common questions
Can I keep running with shin splints?
Sometimes, at reduced volume, but pain that worsens run on run is a warning worth heeding. We would rather adjust your training early than see you sidelined by a stress fracture.
How do I know it is not a stress fracture?
Very localised bone pain, night pain or pain on hopping raises that suspicion. We assess for it and arrange imaging where appropriate.
Will orthotics fix it?
They may help by changing load distribution, but on their own they rarely solve it. Training load and technique usually matter more.