Shin Splints: What Are They?

The medical term is medial tibial stress syndrome. The tissues around the shin are irritated when walking, jumping, or other impact repeatedly exceeds what they have adapted to. Pain may spread along part of the inner shin and can feel sore during or after activity. Flat Feet can change how force travels through the lower leg. Shin pain can have other causes, so location, timing, tenderness, and recent activity changes help guide an assessment.

Pause the activity that provokes pain and choose lower-impact movement while symptoms settle. Use a gradual return: begin with comfortable walking, then add activity in small steps only if pain does not build during the session or linger afterward. Supportive, well-fitting footwear may help. A clinician may consider Custom Orthotics when foot mechanics contribute, or Gait Retraining to adjust loading patterns. Physiotherapy can address calf strength, ankle movement, and a safe return plan.

Arrange an assessment if pain is focused at one small spot, occurs at rest or at night, follows an injury, or keeps returning despite reducing impact. Seek prompt care for marked swelling, inability to bear weight, numbness, unusual colour or temperature in the foot, or rapidly worsening pain. These features can point to an injury that needs a different evaluation.

Ask which activities are safe now, whether your pain pattern fits shin splints, and what return-to-activity signs to use. You can also ask whether foot alignment, footwear, calf strength, or running technique should be assessed.