Shin Splints

Shin splints is an irritation and overload of the muscles in the front of your leg. Shin splints are extremely common in runners and people who play sport involving running / jumping.

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Additional Information

Home Treatments

Early stages: rest / ice / analgesia as necessary
Swimming / cycling to keep active and avoid aggravation of injury
Load management:
- Initially reduce aggravating activity
- If running recreationally, switching from a hard surface such as concrete to a soft surface such as grass or a running track may reduce overload.
- Supportive footwear designed for running with arch support and cushioned insoles

Professional Medical Treatments

Addressing foot biomechanics
Soft tissue release with massage / dry needling
Possible use of electric therapies (e.g. shockwave therapy)
Ankle mobilisation (if warranted)
Taping techniques
In extreme cases, prolotherapy injections (however mixed evidence)
In extreme cases, surgical release

Physical Therapy Exercises

Load management is key to resolving shin splints. Your physiotherapist should discuss a plan to reintroduce load gradually to allow adaption.
Strengthening of muscles that act on lower limb to normalise foot mechanics (around hip, knee and ankle)