What Are Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome)?
Shin splints is a common term used to describe pain along the shinbone (tibia), typically occurring during or after running, sport or exercise. Medically, this condition is known as Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS).
MTSS occurs when excessive stress is placed on the shinbone and the surrounding muscles, tendons and connective tissues of the lower leg. It is one of the most common overuse running injuries seen in athletes, runners, gym-goers and active individuals.
Types of Shin Splints
Shin splints are commonly divided into several categories depending on the location and source of pain:
Medial Shin Pain
Pain along the inside border of the shinbone (most common type).
Anterior Shin Pain
Pain along the front portion of the shin and lower leg muscles.
Tibial Bone Stress Injuries
Pain originating from excessive stress placed directly through the tibia (shinbone), which can progress toward stress fractures if untreated.
Accurate diagnosis is important because shin splints symptoms can overlap with:
- stress fractures
- compartment syndrome
- tendon injuries
- nerve irritation
- muscle strains
Common Symptoms of Shin Splints
The most common symptom of MTSS is a vague, aching or throbbing pain along the lower third of the shinbone during or after exercise.
Symptoms may include:
- pain along the inside of the shin
- shin pain while running
- soreness after exercise
- tight or aching calves
- pain at the beginning of activity
- discomfort that improves during exercise then returns afterwards
- tenderness when touching the shinbone
- lower leg fatigue
- pain during jumping or sport
In the early stages, pain often settles shortly after exercise. However, as the condition progresses, symptoms may:
- occur earlier during activity
- persist after exercise
- occur with walking
- become painful at rest
If left untreated, shin splints can progress into tibial stress fractures.
Causes of MTSS
Training errors appear to be the most common factors involved in MTSS, especially as athletes attempt to do ‘too much, too fast’. Common training errors include a recent or sudden onset of increased activity, intensity, duration or terrain. Running on hard or uneven surfaces is also a common risk factor. Other contributing factors are:
- flat feet (pronation)
- high arch feet (supination)
- calf tightness
- lower limb biomechanics
- worn out or improper shoes
What Causes Shin Splints?
Shin splints are usually caused by repetitive overload and excessive stress through the shinbone and surrounding muscles.
The most common contributing factor is:
“Too much, too soon.”
This commonly occurs when runners or athletes rapidly increase:
- training volume
- running distance
- running intensity
- hill training
- speed work
- sporting load
Common risk factors include:
- running on hard surfaces
- poor footwear
- worn-out running shoes
- flat feet (overpronation)
- high arch feet (supination)
- calf tightness
- reduced ankle mobility
- poor lower limb biomechanics
- muscle weakness
- sudden return to running or sport
At OnePointHealth, our podiatrists frequently assess runners with recurring shin pain linked to biomechanics, footwear and training load errors.
Running Assessments for Shin Splints
At our OnePointHealth Ryde and OnePointHealth Penrith clinics, we provide comprehensive running assessments and biomechanical analysis for runners experiencing shin splints and lower limb pain.
Our assessments may include:
- running gait analysis
- treadmill assessment
- pressure mapping technology
- footwear assessment
- lower limb strength testing
- ankle mobility assessment
- biomechanical screening
- training load analysis
These assessments help identify:
- excessive tibial loading
- inefficient running mechanics
- overstriding
- poor cadence
- footwear incompatibility
- lower limb weakness
- calf overload patterns
Many patients searching for:
- “running gait analysis near me”
- “shin splints running assessment”
- “running podiatrist Ryde”
- “sports podiatrist Penrith”
benefit from a comprehensive podiatry and biomechanical assessment.
Shin Splints Treatment
Early treatment of shin splints is important to prevent progression toward stress fractures and chronic lower leg pain.
At OnePointHealth, treatment plans are tailored to the individual runner, athlete or active patient and may include:
Activity Modification
Temporary reduction or modification of training load to allow irritated tissues to recover. Low-impact exercise such as swimming or cycling may be recommended during recovery.
Strength & Rehabilitation Programs
Targeted strengthening programs help improve lower limb load tolerance and reduce excessive stress through the tibia and surrounding muscles.
Running Load Management
Our podiatrists assess weekly running volume, intensity, terrain and training progression to identify overload patterns contributing to symptoms.
Ice & Recovery Strategies
Ice may help reduce pain and inflammation following activity.
Footwear Assessment
Supportive footwear is important for reducing excessive lower limb stress. Our podiatrists can assess your current running shoes and recommend more appropriate footwear if needed.
Orthotic Therapy
Custom foot orthotics may assist in improving foot mechanics and reducing excessive tibial stress, particularly in patients with flat feet or overpronation.
Patients searching for:
- “orthotics for shin splints”
- “custom orthotics Ryde”
- “running orthotics near me”
may benefit from a biomechanical podiatry assessment.
Taping & Bracing
Taping techniques may help reduce load through irritated tissues during activity.
Mobility Programs
Improving ankle mobility and calf flexibility can help reduce excessive stress on the lower leg during running.
AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill
At OnePointHealth, the AlterG treadmill can allow runners to continue training with reduced impact and lower tibial loading during rehabilitation.
When Should You Seek Treatment for Shin Splints?
You should seek assessment if:
- shin pain persists longer than 1–2 weeks
- pain worsens with running
- symptoms return every time training increases
- you have pain when walking
- tenderness over the shinbone is worsening
- running performance is affected
- symptoms are not improving with rest
Early intervention often leads to faster recovery and reduces the risk of stress fractures.
