Shin Splints: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Pain Along The Front Or Inside Of Your Shin?

Shin splints are one of the most common overuse injuries affecting the lower leg.

Many people first notice discomfort when they start running again, increase their training or become more active than usual.

Symptoms often begin as a mild ache and may gradually become more persistent and increasingly painful.

Many people describe:

• An aching pain along the inside of the shin

• Tenderness when touching the lower leg

• Pain that worsens during exercise

• Tightness in the calves

• Discomfort when running, walking or jumping

• A feeling that their legs become heavy or fatigued quickly

At Callen Olive, we regularly assess and manage shin splints, helping people understand why their symptoms have developed and create personalised treatment plans designed around their lifestyle and goals.

What Are Shin Splints?

Shin splints are the common term used to describe pain that develops along the tibia, the large bone located at the front of the lower leg.

The muscles and connective tissues attached to the shinbone work hard to absorb impact and stabilise the leg during walking, running and sport.

When these tissues are exposed to repetitive stress and do not have sufficient time to recover, they can become irritated and painful.

This leads to the characteristic aching and tenderness associated with shin splints.

You're Not Alone

Shin splints are particularly common in:

• Runners

• Footballers

• Rugby players

• Netball players

• Dancers

• Walkers

• Military personnel

• Children and teenagers who participate in multiple sports each week

We also commonly see shin splints in adults who decide to become more active and suddenly increase their walking, running or exercise levels.

The good news is that, with the right treatment approach, most people can make an excellent recovery.

What Do Shin Splints Feel Like?

Symptoms can vary depending on severity.

Common symptoms include:

• Aching pain along the inside edge of the shinbone

• Tenderness when touching the shin

• Pain that worsens during exercise

• Mild swelling of the lower leg

• Tight or fatigued calves

• Discomfort after activity

• Symptoms that initially improve with rest but return once activity resumes

In the early stages, symptoms may only occur during exercise.

As the condition progresses, discomfort may begin earlier during activity and last for longer afterwards.

What Causes Shin Splints?

There is rarely one single cause.

Several factors often work together.

Sudden Changes In Activity

Increasing walking, running, training frequency or exercise intensity too quickly can overload the tissues of the lower leg.

Foot Biomechanics

The way your feet move during walking and running can influence the amount of stress placed on the muscles attached to the shinbone.

Training Surfaces

Running on hard or uneven surfaces may increase impact forces through the lower limbs.

Footwear

Unsupportive or worn footwear can affect how forces are distributed through the feet and legs.

Muscle Tightness & Weakness

Tight calf muscles and reduced lower limb strength may increase loading through the shin.

Recovery

Many active adults and young athletes simply do not allow enough time for recovery between training sessions.

Often, several factors are involved rather than one single cause.

Shin Splints Are Usually A Load Management Problem

One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding shin splints is that complete rest is always the answer.

Whilst reducing aggravating activities may sometimes be necessary, prolonged rest alone does not always address the underlying problem.

The tissues in the lower leg become painful because they are being asked to tolerate more load than they can comfortably manage.

Successful treatment often involves understanding:

• Why the tissues became overloaded

• Whether training errors are present

• How the feet and lower limbs are moving

• Whether footwear is contributing

• How to improve the tissues' ability to tolerate load over time

Our goal is not simply to stop pain today.

Our goal is to help you return to activity and reduce the likelihood of symptoms repeatedly returning.

Shin Splints Or A Stress Fracture?

This is one of the most common concerns we hear.

Whilst shin splints and stress fractures can feel similar, they are different conditions.

Shin splints involve irritation of the muscles and connective tissues surrounding the shinbone.

A stress fracture involves a small crack within the bone itself.

Because treatment recommendations may differ significantly, obtaining an accurate diagnosis is important.

Why Early Assessment Matters

Many people continue exercising on painful shins for weeks or even months before seeking professional advice.

Unfortunately, ongoing overload can result in increasingly persistent symptoms and longer recovery times.

Early assessment and treatment may help:

• Reduce pain

• Improve lower limb function

• Maintain activity levels

• Reduce compensation patterns

• Support recovery

• Reduce the likelihood of recurrence

• Reduce the risk of more significant injury

At Callen Olive, we believe identifying the cause of symptoms early often provides the best opportunity for successful outcomes.

How We Assess Shin Splints

Assessment begins with understanding your symptoms and how they are affecting your everyday life and activity.

This may include:

• Clinical examination of the lower leg

• Biomechanical assessment

• Foot posture assessment

• OptoGait gait analysis

• Footwear review

• Activity and training assessment

• Assessment of lower limb strength and flexibility

By understanding how your feet and lower limbs function, we can create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your individual needs and goals.

Your Personalised Treatment Plan

Treatment depends on symptom severity, activity levels and the factors contributing to tissue overload.

Activity Modification

Temporary adjustments to activity may help reduce irritation whilst allowing you to remain as active as possible.

Rehabilitation Exercises

Targeted strengthening and mobility programmes may help improve lower limb function and tissue resilience.

Gait & Running Re-Education

Improving walking and running mechanics can help reduce excessive loading through the lower leg.

Footwear Advice

Appropriate footwear can improve support and reduce impact forces during activity.

Custom Foot Orthotics

Custom Foot Orthotics may help improve foot function and reduce excessive strain on the structures involved.

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave Therapy may occasionally be recommended in more persistent cases to help stimulate healing and improve symptoms.

Our goal is not simply to reduce pain.

Our goal is to help you return to comfortable movement and continue enjoying the activities that matter most to you.

Why Choose Callen Olive?

We Care.

We understand how frustrating shin pain can be.

Pain in the lower leg can affect confidence, fitness goals and the ability to enjoy being active.

Our experienced clinicians combine biomechanics, movement assessment and personalised treatment planning to identify the factors contributing to your symptoms and support long-term recovery.

Because healthy feet and healthy movement play an important role in living an active, fulfilling and independent life.

Healthy Feet. Healthy Body. Healthy Mind.

Treatment Fees

No two patients are the same.

That's why every treatment plan is tailored to your individual needs, lifestyle and goals. Following your assessment, your clinician will explain the treatment options available and help you choose the most appropriate pathway to achieve the best possible outcome.

Our focus is always on helping you achieve the best possible outcome for your comfort, mobility and long-term wellbeing.

New Patient Biomechanics Assessment: £180

New Patient Biomechanics Assessment with Principal Podiatrist: £225

Our team will support you throughout every stage of your recovery to ensure you feel informed, reassured and cared for.

If you are unsure which appointment is most suitable, our Patient Care Team will be happy to help.

Call us on +44 333 305 8347.

Related Conditions

• Stress Fractures

• Flat Feet

• Achilles Tendinopathy

• Plantar Fasciitis

• Running Injuries

Related Treatments

• Biomechanical Assessment

• OptoGait Gait Analysis

• Custom Foot Orthotics

• Shockwave Therapy

• Running Assessment

Learn More

• Running & Foot Health

• Walking For Wellbeing

• Sports Podiatry

• Active Ageing & Foot Health

Frequently Asked Questions

What do shin splints feel like?

Most people describe a dull ache or tenderness along the inside edge of the shinbone that becomes worse during exercise.

What causes shin splints when running?

Running places repeated impact forces on the lower legs. Training errors, biomechanics, muscle fatigue and footwear can all contribute.

Are shin splints the same as a stress fracture?

No. Shin splints involve irritation of the tissues surrounding the bone, whereas a stress fracture is a small crack within the bone itself.

Can orthotics help shin splints?

For some people, Custom Foot Orthotics may help improve foot mechanics and reduce excessive strain on the lower leg.

Can I continue exercising?

In many cases, yes. Treatment aims to help you remain as active as possible whilst managing symptoms and supporting recovery.

When should I seek professional advice?

Professional assessment is recommended if symptoms persist, worsen during activity or begin affecting your ability to exercise and enjoy everyday activities.

Don't Ignore Persistent Shin Pain

Early assessment and treatment can often help reduce pain, improve lower limb function and support your return to the activities you enjoy.

Book your assessment today and take the first step towards moving with comfort, confidence and ease.