Does shin splints cause shin pain?

Shin splints describes exercise-related irritation along the tissues attached to the shin bone. Pain may spread along the inner edge of the lower leg and can be tender to touch. It often starts during or after activity when impact has increased, training surfaces have changed, or recovery has been limited.

Shin pain has other possible causes, including a bone stress injury, muscle problem or nerve irritation. Pain in one precise spot, pain that persists at rest, increasing tenderness or a worsening limp deserves an assessment rather than continued training.

Pause or reduce the activity that brings on pain, then use lower-impact movement if it remains comfortable. Check that shoes are supportive and increase training gradually after symptoms settle. Ice wrapped in cloth may ease soreness for a short period, but it should not be used to mask pain so you can continue hard exercise.

A physiotherapist can review running technique, calf strength, flexibility, footwear and training changes. Keep track of where the pain is, what triggers it and how long it lasts after exercise.

Arrange care if pain is focused in one small area, occurs while resting, wakes you, follows a direct blow, or continues despite reducing impact. Seek prompt help for marked swelling, numbness, weakness, a visibly changed leg or inability to walk normally.

Does the location and pattern fit shin splints? What training can I continue safely? Do I need an examination for a bone stress injury, and how should I rebuild running?