‘Shin Splints’ is an umbrella term that includes a variety of pathologies impacting the region of the shin bone (tibia).

• They commonly develop in runners or in athletes in sports with lots of hopping or jumping.
• They can be caused from the muscles in the front of the shin or the deep muscles of the calf
  What can contribute to shin splints?

  Usually many factors! These include:

  • Tight calf muscles
  • Weakness of calf muscles
  • Increased training loads
  • Inappropriate footwear
  • Flat feet
  • Poor running technique
  • Poor stability in hip and knee
    

  When do i usually feel symptoms?
  – Shin splints typically develop in the bottom third of the tibia, where the bone is the narrowest and most vulnerable to repetitive stress and loading.
  – Initially, the shin will be sore to touch after running.
  – If the shin bone continues to be overloaded, the pain will begin at the start of the run.
  – Eventually, if left untreated, the shin bone will feel sore before, during and after running, and a stress fracture may develop.
  Physio Fixes for Shin Splints

  • De-loading the bone by resting from painful activities
  • Addressing contributing factors – this may involve strengthening, stretching, orthotics or more, as guided by your physiotherapist
  • Gradual, individualised return to running program