Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome)

Overview

Medial tibial stress syndrome, often called shin splints, is exercise-related pain along a broader area of the inner edge of the tibia. It often follows a rapid increase in running, jumping, hills, hard surfaces or training frequency.

The Important Distinction

Shin splints are usually more spread out along the inner shin. A very specific, pinpoint spot of bone pain, pain while walking, at rest or at night, or worsening pain with hopping can indicate a bone stress injury and needs assessment.

What Helps

• Reduce running volume, speed, hills or jumping enough that symptoms settle
• Keep lower-impact conditioning such as cycling or swimming if comfortable
• Build calf, foot and hip capacity rather than relying only on stretching
• Return to running with smaller increases and rest days between harder sessions

When to Seek Assessment

• Pinpoint bone tenderness or pain that progresses to walking/rest/night pain
• A limp, swelling or pain that persists despite reduced loading
• Repeated bone-stress injuries, low energy availability, menstrual changes or known low bone density

Related Guidance

• Tibial stress fracture
• Standing calf raise
• Ankle eversion with a band

This is general education, not a diagnosis. Do not run through focal bone pain; it can progress from stress reaction to stress fracture.