The term “shin splints” refers to pain along the shinbone (tibia) — the large bone in the front of your lower leg. Shin splints are common in runners, dancers and military recruits. Medically known as medial tibial stress syndrome, shin splints often occur in athletes who have recently intensified or changed their training routines. The muscles, tendons and bone tissue become overworked by the increased activity.
If you have shin splints, you may notice:
- Tenderness, soreness or pain along the inner part of your lower leg
- Mild swelling in your lower leg
At first, the pain may stop when you stop running or exercising. Eventually, however, the pain may be continuous. You’re more at risk of shin splints if:
- You’re a runner, especially just beginning a running program
- You play sports on hard surfaces, with sudden stops and starts
- You run on uneven terrain, such as hills
- You’re in military training
- You have flat feet or high arches
