What should you know about shin splint in one leg?

Shin splints are irritation of tissues along the shin after repeated loading. One-sided symptoms may follow a change in training, a difference in strength, an altered walking pattern, previous injury, or footwear that changes how that leg meets the ground. Pain is often spread along the inner shin and linked with activity, whereas a small tender spot, pain at rest, or pain that steadily worsens deserves a closer examination. Foot posture such as [Flat Feet](/conditions/flat-feet/) can influence how force travels up the leg, but it is not the only possible factor.

Scale back running, jumping, hills, and other activities that reproduce the pain. Choose lower-impact movement only if it stays comfortable during and after activity. Supportive footwear, gradual return to training, and gentle calf and ankle mobility may help. Do not return to your previous workload as soon as symptoms ease; increase activity in small steps and watch for next-day pain. A physiotherapist can compare both legs, assess strength and gait, and consider [Gait Retraining](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/gait-retraining/) when movement habits contribute.

Book an assessment if the pain is concentrated at one point, occurs while resting, causes a limp, or does not improve after reducing impact. Seek urgent care after a significant injury, or for inability to bear weight, major swelling, numbness, or a foot that becomes cold or changes colour.

Does the pattern fit shin splints or another bone, muscle, or tendon problem? What activity can I continue? Should both legs, my footwear, and my gait be checked? When is it safe to resume running?