What should you know about mild shin splints?

Shin splints, also called medial tibial stress syndrome, can cause tenderness or aching along the inner edge of the shin during or after running, jumping or increased walking. A sudden change in training surface, pace, hills or footwear can overload the tissues. Flat feet and altered gait may contribute for some people, but shin pain can also come from a stress injury or another condition. The location, timing and tenderness pattern help guide assessment.

Reduce running and jumping temporarily, replacing them with comfortable lower-impact movement if appropriate. Avoid pushing through pain that changes your stride. Check recent changes in training, surfaces and shoes. Physiotherapy may address calf strength, hip control and a gradual return plan; gait retraining can help when movement patterns add load. Custom orthotics may be considered when foot mechanics are relevant, but they are not needed for everyone. Increase activity in small stages only when symptoms remain settled.

Arrange assessment for pain in one precise spot, pain at rest or overnight, visible swelling, numbness, weakness or pain that persists despite reducing activity. Seek urgent care after an injury when you cannot bear weight, or when the lower leg becomes markedly swollen, pale or unusually cold. A clinician can check for a bone stress injury before you resume impact exercise.

Ask whether the pattern fits shin splints, what activity level is suitable now, and how to progress back to running. Ask whether foot posture, gait, strength or footwear should be assessed and which signs would require imaging or earlier review.