Shin SplintsMedical Author:
Jayson Goo, ATC, MA, CKTI
Jayson Goo, ATC, MA, CKTIJayson Goo, ATC, MA, CKTI, a National Athletic Board Certified Athletic Trainer, graduated from the University of Hawaii and earned his master's degree in human performance with a specialty in corrective therapy from San Jose State University. Jayson also is an active Certified Kinesio Taping Instructor. Medical Editor:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical EditorMelissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
Shin Splints Overview"Shin splints" is a term generally used to describe a running-related injury causing pain in the front of the lower leg along the shin bone (tibia). Medically, the term shin splints refers to Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS). The type of pain that causes shin splints is most often caused by athletic-related activity that the participant is not physically prepared to perform. Viewer Comments & ReviewsShin Splints - Length Symptoms LastedThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:How long did the symptoms of your shin splints last? Was there anything in particular that helped with pain/symptom relief? Shin Splints - CauseThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What was the cause of your shin splints? |
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Shin Splints
Topic Overview
What are shin splints?
Shin splints are a condition that causes pain and sometimes swelling in the front part of the lower leg (shin). The pain is most likely from repeated stress on the shinbone (tibia) and the tissue that connects the muscle to the tibia. They are common in people who run or jog. Activities where you run or jump on hard surfaces, such as basketball or tennis, can also lead to this painful condition.
What causes shin splints?
Most people get shin splints from repeated pounding on hard surfaces during activities such as running, basketball, or tennis. You can also get them when you:
- Change to new running or workout shoes or wear shoes that don't have enough support. This can happen when you wear your shoes too long and they wear out.
- Run or walk on a different surface than you are used to. For example, you might get shin splints when you switch from running on a trail to concrete or asphalt.
- ...
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