Shin Splints: Causes, Symptoms, and How Physiotherapy Can Help
If you’ve ever felt a nagging pain along the front of your lower leg during or after a walk, run, or workout, you might be dealing with shin splints. Medically called medial tibial stress syndrome, shin splints are a common complaint among people who are active from beginners starting a fitness routine to seasoned athletes.
At Rehab Station, we understand how shin splints can limit your daily activities and fitness goals. Let’s explore what they are, why they happen, and how physiotherapy offers effective relief and long-term prevention.
How Common Are Shin Splints?
Shin splints affect a large number of people, especially those involved in activities like running, jumping, or walking long distances. Studies show that:
- Up to 20% of runners experience shin splints at some point.
- It’s common among people in military training and dancers.
- Sudden increase in activity or improper footwear often triggers the pain.
What Do Shin Splints Feel Like?
The most noticeable sign is pain along the inner edge of the shinbone (tibia). But in daily life, symptoms can show up in several ways:
- Dull ache in the front part of the lower leg during or after exercise.
- Pain that gets worse with activity and eases with rest.
- Tenderness or mild swelling in the lower leg.
- Feeling of tightness when going up or down stairs.
- Discomfort even during simple activities like walking or standing for long periods.
Sometimes, people confuse shin splints with more serious issues like stress fractures. That’s why a professional assessment is key to the right treatment.
Why Do Shin Splints Happen?
Shin splints are usually caused by overuse. Common reasons include:
- Sudden increase in workout intensity or duration.
- Running on hard or uneven surfaces.
- Wearing worn-out or unsupportive shoes.
- Poor running or walking technique.
- Muscle imbalances or weak core and hip muscles.
- Flat feet or high arches putting extra strain on the legs.
How Physiotherapy Can Help You Heal
Physiotherapy is one of the best and safest ways to manage shin splints and prevent them from coming back.
Pain relief
Using methods like ice therapy, ultrasound, and electrotherapy techniques to reduce pain and swelling.
Stretching and strengthening exercises
Customized plans that target tight calf muscles and weak shin muscles. Learn more about our stretching techniques and strengthening equipment.
Gait analysis
We assess your walking and running patterns to correct any biomechanical issues.
Taping and orthotics
Supportive taping and shoe inserts can help reduce stress on your shins.
Education
Guiding you on proper footwear, training loads, and surfaces to prevent recurrence.
Don’t Let Shin Splints Slow You Down
With early intervention, most people recover fully from shin splints in a few weeks. Ignoring the pain or continuing activity without treatment can lead to more serious conditions like stress fractures.
If you’re struggling with leg pain that’s affecting your workouts or daily life, book an appointment with our expert physiotherapists at Rehab Station. We’ll create a plan tailored just for you to get back on your feet pain free.