The term "shin splints" refers to pain along the shin bone (tibia) — the large bone in the front of your lower leg. Shin splints are common in runners, dancers and military recruits.
Medically known as medial tibial stress syndrome, shin splints often occur in athletes who have recently intensified or changed their training routines. The increased activity overworks the muscles, tendons and bone tissue.
Most cases of shin splints can be treated with rest, ice and other self-care measures. Wearing proper footwear and modifying your exercise routine can help prevent shin splints from recurring.
If you have shin splints, you might notice tenderness, soreness or pain along the inner side of your shinbone and mild swelling in your lower leg. At first, the pain might stop when you stop exercising. Eventually, however, the pain can be continuous and might progress to a stress reaction or stress fracture.
Shin splints are caused by repetitive stress on the shinbone and the connective tissues that attach your muscles to the bone.
You're more at risk of shin splints if:
- You're a runner, especially one beginning a running program
- You suddenly increase the duration, frequency or intensity of exercise
- You run on uneven terrain, such as hills, or hard surfaces, such as concrete
- You're in military training
- You have flat feet or high arches
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