Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (Shin Splints)

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Shin splints, or medial tibial stress syndrome, is an overuse injury that causes pain over the anterior medial tibia. More specifically, it is a tibial bony overload injury. 

• Pain, tenderness, and/or soreness along the shin (specifically the inner/medial side) 
• Mild swelling in the lower leg

Typically, shin splints resolve on their own with time. However, consider seeing a doctor if: 

• pain persists despite adequate rest, ice, and over the counter pain relievers 
• pain is localized to a specific part of your shin 
• pain persists even at rest 

• Wear supportive shoes when running 
• Slowly increase running amount and intensity over time 
• Proper stretches before and after running
• Standing calf stretch 
• Sitting toe-raises
• Resisted plantar flexion 
• Heel rasies
• Anterior compartment stretch

• Rest
• Activity modification: reducing quantity of running and running on softer surfaces; cross-training with low-impact exercises
• Avoiding load-bearing exercises
• Stretches