1. Least Effective Exercises Slideshow
2. Dehydration Slideshow
3. First Aid Care and Pain Relief for Minor Injuries

Medical Author:

Jayson Goo, ATC, MA, CKTI

Jayson Goo, ATC, MA, CKTI

Jayson 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.

View Full Profile

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa 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.

View Full Profile

Returning to participation and prevention of MTSS are limited by the same factors. MTSS is most often caused by doing too much of a particular activity too fast. MTSS is usually seen at the beginning of a conditioning or a sports season. A sudden increase of activity may also cause MTSS during the end of a season or a conditioning program.

A good workout program begins with a physical exam by a physician, then a gradual, consistent workout period. A good example of this type of program is a running program that starts with walking for 20 minutes, followed by an increase in exercise time and the intensity of the exercise. Good surfaces and proper equipment used in your workout will lower the risk of MTSS.

Components of a good exercise program should include core strengthening, muscle strengthening, and flexibility specific to the goals of the workout program or the sport.

If pain is encountered when working out, try decreasing the intensity of the workout. If the pain persists, then you should immediately stop and seek medical advice to discover the source of the pain. Pushing through pain often results in injury.

Author: Jayson Goo, ATC, MA, CKTI

Editor: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor, eMedicineHealth.com

Must Read Articles Related to Shin Splints

Running Learn about the history of running, benefits of jogging, what muscles are used, running and weight loss, running risks, how to run with proper running form, run...learn more >>

See the Entire Shin Splints Topic Guide »