Shin Splints
Shin splints refer to pain along the shin bone, commonly related to increases in running or training load. Assessment helps identify what's driving your symptoms and how to manage training safely.
30-minute appointments as standard · No referral required
What is Shin Splints?
Shin splints, medically known as medial tibial stress syndrome, refers to pain along the inner edge of the shin bone. It’s commonly associated with running, particularly following a change in training volume, intensity or surface.
This can include an aching or sharp pain along the shin during or after running, tenderness along the bone, or discomfort that builds as a run progresses. Pain that’s spread along a length of the shin, rather than sharply localised to one point, is one of the features that helps distinguish shin splints from a stress fracture — a related but more cautious presentation that’s assessed and managed differently.
How We Assess Shin Splints
Assessment includes your training history — what you do, how often, and what has recently changed — alongside your current symptoms and footwear.
We assess lower limb strength, movement and load tolerance, and where relevant, aspects of your running pattern, to understand what’s contributing to your symptoms.
Treatment and Rehabilitation Approach
Treatment focuses on managing current training load, alongside progressive strengthening, to build the lower leg’s capacity to tolerate running demands.
This sits within our broader foot and ankle pain approach and running-specific load management principles.
Looking for help with Shin Splints?
An assessment can help identify the factors contributing to your symptoms and guide the next steps.
Symptoms
Pain along the shin
Typically felt along the inner edge of the shin bone, during or after running.
Tenderness to touch
The affected area is often tender when pressed along the bone.
Pain that builds with running
Symptoms commonly increase as training continues, particularly following a recent increase in load.
Causes and Risk Factors
Rapid increases in running load
A sudden increase in running volume, intensity or hill work is a common contributing factor.
Training surface and footwear
Changes in running surface or footwear can alter the load placed through the shin.
Strength and load capacity
Lower limb strength can influence how well the shin tolerates running load.
Return-to-Sport Considerations
Manage current training load
Training volume is adjusted to a level your shin can currently tolerate, rather than stopping altogether where appropriate.
Build lower limb strength
Progressive strengthening supports the lower leg’s capacity to manage running demands.
Reintroduce running gradually
Running volume and intensity are increased in stages, guided by how your symptoms respond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep running with shin splints?
This depends on the severity of your symptoms and how they respond to load — an assessment helps determine what’s appropriate.
How long do shin splints take to settle?
This varies depending on how long symptoms have been present and your training demands — your physiotherapist can give you a clearer picture once assessed.
Are shin splints the same as a stress fracture?
No, though they can sometimes be related. Persistent or worsening pain, particularly with a specific point of tenderness, is worth having assessed to rule this out.
How much should I increase my running each week?
This varies from person to person and is a common part of guidance following a running-related injury, tailored to your training and history.
Clinically reviewed by Ryan Harris on 18/08/2026