What are shin splints?
The shin bone (or tibia) runs along the front of the lower leg. Medial tibial stress syndrome, commonly known as “shin splints,” produces pain along the tibia. This pain is the result of small tears and inflammation in the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue around your shin.
Penn Orthopaedics is home to an expert Sports Medicine team dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of a variety of sports-related injuries, including shin splints. Our specialists help patients get back on their feet and back to the activities they love after a sports injury, no matter how simple or complex.
What are the symptoms of shin splints?
Shin splints may feel like an aching or dull pain down the front of one or both legs. The affected shins may even be tender and painful to the touch. Mild swelling can occur. The pain tends to worsen during activity and improves with rest.
What causes shin splints?
Shin splints occur when repeated stress affects the shin bone and the tissues connecting muscles to the bone. This often comes from an intense or sudden increase in physical activity that strains the muscles, tendons, and bones.
Runners, dancers, and athletes in sports with frequent running and jumping, like basketball, soccer, and tennis, are especially vulnerable to shin splints. The high impact and repetitive stress of their activities on the lower legs can lead to small injuries in the shin bone and nearby tissues, causing pain and inflammation.
People with certain structural or functional issues are also at higher risk of developing shin splints. These include:
- Flat feet or high arches
- Overpronation, or excessive inward rolling of the feet
- Weak core or hip muscles
Diagnosing shin splints
Your health care provider will conduct a physical exam and ask you about your symptoms and activities leading up to the onset of your pain. You may also undergo imaging tests to rule out bone abnormalities or other injuries, such as a bone fracture or tendinitis.
Treatment of shin splints
You can usually ease the pain of shin splints with adequate rest, stretching, and over-the-counter pain medicines, and by modifying your exercise routine. If the pain does not decrease after taking these measures, our Penn Orthopaedics team can create a plan for managing and preventing shin splints that include physical therapy.
Surgery is rarely considered for shin splints except in very severe cases. Your orthopaedist will discuss all of your treatment options with you.
Preventing shin splints
A few protective measures may help you avoid shin splints:
- Gradual training: Slowly increase exercise intensity and duration over time.
- Proper footwear: Wear supportive shoes appropriate to your activity and replace them before they get too worn out. Custom shoe inserts may help with arch issues or overpronation.
- Regular stretching and strength training: Maintain your strength and flexibility to help avoid muscle imbalances that can lead to injury.
Proactive care for active lives
Penn Orthopaedics’ sports medicine specialists are dedicated to helping athletes at every level continue to pursue the activities they enjoy. In addition to treating a variety of conditions including shin splints, they focus on preventing injuries and improving performance. Our physicians work closely with trainers, physical therapists, orthopedic surgeons, nutritionists, and other specialists to provide comprehensive care and help you achieve your goals.