Shin splints

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Introduction Signs and symptoms Causes Risk factors

When to seek medical advice Screening and diagnosis Treatment Prevention

Introduction

Whether you're running after a soccer ball, jogging around the neighborhood park or training for a marathon, you're at risk of running-related injuries. One of the most common injuries is shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome).

The term "shin splints" refers to pain along the shinbone (tibia) — the large bone in the front of your lower leg. The pain is the result of an overload on the shinbone and the connective tissues that attach your muscles to the bone.

Shin splints are common among runners and other athletes. But the risk of shin splints is no reason to give up your morning jog or afternoon aerobics class. Most cases of shin splints can be treated with rest, ice and other self-care measures — and wearing proper footwear and modifying your exercise routine can help prevent shin splints from recurring.

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Signs and symptoms