Shin Splints

It sits on a spectrum. At the mild end it is an irritation of the bone surface and surrounding tissue. Left unaddressed with continued loading, it can progress toward a tibial stress fracture, which is a different and more serious problem.

What it feels like

Aching or soreness along the inner shin, initially at the start of a run and easing as you warm up, later persisting through the run and afterwards. Tender to press along a length of the bone rather than at one point.

Pain at a single specific point on the bone, worsening, and present at rest or at night, is more suggestive of a stress fracture. That needs assessment rather than continued running.

Why it happens

Training load rising faster than the bone and tissue can adapt. Common triggers: a sudden increase in mileage, a change of surface, a change of footwear, returning after a break, or a rapid increase in intensity.

Mechanics and foot function contribute, but load almost always comes first.

How we treat it

Load management first, that is the treatment, and no modality substitutes for it. Then addressing calf and foot strength, mechanics, and footwear, so load can be reintroduced without recurrence.

What to expect

Assessment will focus heavily on your training history, mileage, changes, surfaces and shoes, because that is usually where the answer is. Bring your running shoes.

We will tell you honestly if the presentation suggests a stress fracture rather than shin splints, because the management is different.

How long it takes

Mild cases often settle within weeks with load management. More established cases take longer. Returning to full mileage too quickly is the commonest reason it recurs.