What Are Shin Splints?

If your run or dance class was cut short by throbbing lower-leg pain, you could have shin splints. This pain occurs on the front inside of the shin bone. Shin splints are caused by overtraining or running on hard surfaces. This can cause trauma to the legs, leading to inflammation or stress fractures.

  1. Types

    • There are two types of shin splints: Anterior shin splints occur on the front outside part of the leg. Medial shin splints occur on the inside of the leg.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms include shin pain at the start of your workout and after it. You might also have swelling, lumps on the inside of the shin bones and pain when the toes or foot point downward.

    Treatment

    • Rest is the recommended treatment. People with shin splints may also consider switching temporarily to an exercise that doesn't stress the legs, such as swimming. Ice packs can help reduce inflammation. Leg stretches can help relieve pain.

    Expert Insight

    • Doctors can prescribe anti-inflammatory medication to reduce pain. Sports massage therapists may also offer relief with deep-muscle massage.

    Prevention

    • Choose the right footwear for your athletic activity, and wear shock-absorbing insoles. Increase the intensity of your workouts gradually. Also, avoid exercising on hard surfaces, such as concrete.