Region: LowerLeg
Shin splits refers to pain in the front part of the lower leg along the inner or front edge of the shinbones.
What is a Shin Splint?
Shin splits refers to pain in the front part of the lower leg along the inner or front edge of the shinbones.
Symptoms
- Lower leg pain (commonly felt in the inner lower leg or the front of the shin bone)
- Shin bone may be tender to the touch
- Mild swelling may occur
What does a Shin Splint feel like?
- Pain from shin splints can commonly be felt in the lower inner leg or front of the shin bone
- Can start as mild, occasional pain but can progress to steady and persistent pain
- Be a sharp or a dull ache
- Gets worse after an activity
What are common causes of Shin Splints?
- Repeated stress to the shin bone
- Frequent, repetitive pressure (from running, dancing, etc.)
Self check
- Is the pain located in the inner lower leg or along the front of the shin?
- Does the pain get worse after an activity that involves the lower legs (running, dancing, marching, etc)?
Educational only — not a medical diagnosis.
What to do now
- Rest and take a break from sports, running, and other high-impact activities
- Apply ice to the area for 15-20 minutes, three to four times a day for a few days
- Gently stretching and flexing the lower leg may be helpful
Red flags
- Severe shin pain
- Pain does not go away after a few weeks of rest
- Lower legs are very swollen, red, or painful
Recovery tips
- Gently stretching and flexing the lower leg may help
- During recovery, stay active with low-impact activities (swimming, yoga, etc.)
- After recovery, slowly increase in activity level and intensity
- Supportive shoes or shoe inserts can be effective at relieving shin splint pain during activity
- Taking a Vitamin D3 supplement may help (discuss supplments with a healthcare provider)
Educational only. Not a medical diagnosis.
Tracks symptoms over time (not a diagnosis).