Shin Splint

Shin splints usually happen when you suddenly increase your exercise intensity or volume, like starting a new workout routine after a long break. This sudden change puts extra stress on the muscles around your shin bone, leading to pain.

Other common causes of shin splints include:

People who are more likely to get shin splints include runners, military personnel, athletes, and dancers.

People who are more likely to get shin splints include runners, military personnel, athletes, and dancers.

To manage shin splints, start by stopping all physical activities, getting plenty of rest, and applying ice to the affected area to reduce pain and swelling. If the pain doesn’t improve after a few days or keeps coming back, it’s a good idea to see a podiatrist. Shin splints could also be a sign of more serious issues, like tendonitis, tendon tears, or stress fractures.

Your podiatrist may recommend a musculoskeletal assessment, physical examination, diagnostic ultrasound, and X-ray to get an accurate diagnosis. Once they have a clear picture of the issue, they can suggest a treatment plan to address your shin splints.

After assessing your condition, your podiatrist will suggest a treatment plan, which might include:

Ignoring shin splints can lead to worse pain and longer-lasting problems, such as stress fractures, nerve pain, or muscle compression. If the pain worsens or doesn’t get better, see a foot specialist right away.