Shin splints

Shin splints — known clinically as medial tibial stress syndrome — is an overuse injury that causes pain and tenderness along the inner edge of the shinbone, usually brought on by repetitive activities such as running or jumping. [1] The pain often flares with exercise and eases with rest.

It's one of the more common lower-limb complaints we see at our Tuggerah clinic, particularly among runners, athletes and people who've recently ramped up their training. The good news is that with the right assessment and a tailored plan, most people manage their symptoms well and get back to the activities they love.

What are shin splints?

Shin splints describe pain along the tibia (shinbone), usually on its inner border, related to stress on the muscles, tendons and bone tissue in that region. [1] Symptoms typically include:

• Aching or tenderness along the inner shin
• Pain that flares with exercise and settles with rest
• Discomfort that may appear early in a session and ease as you warm up — or worsen the longer you push on

What causes shin splints, and can they be prevented?

Shin splints are generally caused by overuse or repetitive stress on the structures around the shinbone. [1] Contributing factors may include:

• Sudden changes in training intensity, distance or frequency
• Inadequate or worn-out footwear
• Running or walking technique and loading patterns
• Individual biomechanical factors, such as foot posture and gait

Prevention often comes down to sensible training progression, appropriate footwear, and addressing the way you load your legs when you move.

How does Blueprint Podiatry assess and treat shin splints?

Our podiatry team brings a genuinely sports-focused approach to lower-limb pain. Every one of our podiatrists is a qualified podiatrist and a certified Level 1 Running Coach, so assessing how you move is core to what we do.

Where helpful, your assessment may include:

• Force-platform gait analysis on our Zebris instrumented treadmill, measuring plantar pressure and load while you walk and run — not just visual observation
• Objective strength and range-of-motion testing with a VALD dynamometer to set baselines, guide your rehab and track your return to sport
• A review of your training history, footwear and loading patterns

From there we build a tailored management plan, which may include activity and load modification, a progressive strengthening program, footwear guidance, and — where appropriate — custom orthotics, which we 3D scan and 3D print in-house. Additional clinic services such as shockwave therapy, dry needling and foot mobilisation therapy may also be considered depending on your presentation.

When should I seek help?

If shin pain is persisting, worsening, or stopping you from training, it's worth having it assessed. Sharp, localised pain that doesn't ease with rest can sometimes point to other issues, so a thorough assessment helps make sure your plan is right for you.

Related services

• Sports Injury Podiatrist & Rehab Services
• Running Biomechanical Assessment