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Shin Splints

Shin Splints: What You Need to Know

What Are Shin Splints?

Shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome, cause pain along the shinbone (tibia). This condition is common in runners, dancers, and athletes who do repetitive, high-impact activities.

Shin splints occur when the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue around the shinbone become inflamed. While not typically serious, the pain can be intense enough to limit activity and, if ignored, may lead to stress fractures.

Common symptoms include:

  • Dull, aching pain along the front or inner shin
  • Tenderness or soreness when pressing on the shinbone
  • Pain that worsens during exercise and eases with rest
  • Mild swelling in the lower leg

Common Causes of Shin Splints

Shin splints often result from a sudden increase in training intensity or poor movement mechanics. Risk factors include:
  • Starting a new running or workout program too quickly 
  • High-impact sports like basketball, soccer, or tennis
  • Running on hard or uneven surfaces
  • Wearing unsupportive or worn-out shoes
  • Flat feet, high arches, or poor alignment
  • Weakness or tightness in the lower leg muscles

How Physical Therapy Helps

Physical therapy addresses both the pain of shin splints and the underlying causes. At The Therapy Network, our therapists focus on:

  • Reducing pain and inflammation through manual therapy, stretching, and modalities
  • Improving flexibility in the calves, ankles, and lower legs
  • Strengthening supporting muscles to reduce stress on the shinbone
  • Correcting gait and biomechanics to prevent recurrence
  • Recommending footwear or orthotics for better support
  • Educating on training modifications to return safely to activity

What to Expect in Physical Therapy

Your recovery plan will be customized to your activity level and goals. Therapy may include:

    • Manual therapy and soft tissue techniques to ease pain
    • Stretching for calves, hamstrings, and hips
    • Strengthening exercises for the foot, ankle, and core
    • Balance and functional training for safe return to sport
    • Running form analysis and movement retraining
    • Guidance on gradual return to activity to prevent re-injury
With consistent therapy, most patients recover fully from shin splints and return to sports, exercise, and daily life without pain.

Start Your Recovery Today at The Therapy Network

Don’t let shin splints keep you off your feet. Our expert physical therapists can help you heal, correct movement imbalances, and prevent future injuries.

With same-day appointments available in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Chesapeake, relief is closer than you think.

Call 757-496-3700 or schedule your appointment online to get started today.

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