Shin Splints: What They Are, How to Spot Them, and When to Get Help
Whether you're training for a charity fun run, getting back into fitness, or navigating basic training in the forces, pain in the shins can quickly derail your plans. Shin splints—known medically as medial tibial stress syndrome—are one of the most common overuse injuries in active people.
At Hampshire Spine and Joint Clinic, we regularly see shin splints in weekend warriors, novice runners, and even army personnel. Here's what you need to know about recognising the signs, how to treat it, and when it’s time to get professional help.
What Are Shin Splints?
Shin splints describe pain along the inner edge of the shinbone (tibia), usually triggered by repetitive stress. It’s not a single injury, but rather a collection of symptoms caused by inflammation in the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue.
Typical culprits include:
A sudden increase in training intensity or frequency
Running on hard or uneven surfaces
Worn-out or unsupportive footwear
Poor biomechanics (e.g., flat feet or overpronation)
Signs and Symptoms
You might be dealing with shin splints if you experience:
A dull, aching pain along the lower inside part of the shin
Tenderness or soreness to touch
Pain that worsens with running or jumping
A mild swelling in the lower leg
In early stages, the pain often starts at the beginning of a run and fades during exercise—only to return later. As the condition worsens, the pain can become constant and more intense.
Self-Treatment: What You Can Do at Home
In mild cases, shin splints can respond well to conservative care. Try the following:
Rest or reduce training to allow the tissue to recover
Ice the area for 15–20 minutes, a few times a day
Stretch and foam roll the calves and surrounding muscles
Check your shoes – replace worn trainers and consider orthotics if needed
Switch up surfaces – avoid hard pavements where possible
When to Seek Treatment
If pain persists despite self-care—or if it’s starting to interfere with your activity—it's time to get it checked. Ignoring it can lead to more serious issues like stress fractures.
We help people at different stages:
Early stage: Focused shockwave therapy can be used proactively to reduce inflammation and support healing
Persistent cases: If symptoms don’t resolve with rest and rehab, shockwave therapy is a powerful, non-invasive treatment that helps stimulate tissue repair and improve blood flow
Recurring shin pain: We’ll assess biomechanics, strength, and training patterns to prevent it coming back
How We Treat It at Hampshire Spine and Joint Clinic
Our approach combines:
Accurate diagnosis – to rule out stress fractures or compartment syndrome
Osteopathy – to improve mechanics and relieve strain on the tibia
Shockwave therapy – clinically proven to reduce pain and speed up healing in stubborn cases
Rehab advice – we’ll guide you through strengthening, gait correction, and a return-to-run programme
Final Thought
Shin splints are common—but not something you have to just ‘put up with’. Whether you’re training for your first 10K or on the parade ground every day, early intervention can make all the difference.
If you're unsure whether it's just a niggle or something more serious, get in touch and we’ll help you find out.
