SHIN SPLINTS
(MEDIAL TIBIAL STRESS SYNDROME)
SHIN SPLINTS | CHELTENHAM
(MEDIAL TIBIAL STRESS SYNDROME)
WHAT ARE SHIN SPLINTS?
Shin splints, medically known as medial tibial stress syndrome, are one of the most common overuse injuries affecting runners.
The condition causes pain along the inner edge of the shin bone (tibia) and typically develops when repetitive stress from running irritates the muscles and tissues attached to the bone.
Shin splints are commonly experienced by:
• runners increasing mileage or training intensity
• athletes returning to running after a break
• football and field sport athletes
• youth athletes during periods of rapid growth
At Proview Sports Injury Clinic Cheltenham, our sports therapists regularly assess athletes experiencing shin splints, providing hands-on treatment, education and progressive exercise support to help athletes return to pain-free running.
WHY SHIN SPLINTS DEVELOP
Shin splints usually occur when the lower leg is exposed to repetitive loading that exceeds the tissues’ ability to adapt.
This commonly happens when runners:
• increase mileage too quickly
• increase running intensity or speed sessions
• return to running after time off
• change footwear or training surface
Tightness through the calf muscles and reduced lower limb strength can also increase the load placed on the shin bone during running.
Without appropriate management, repeated loading can lead to persistent irritation along the tibia, causing ongoing pain during activity.
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF SHIN SPLINTS
Athletes with shin splints may experience:
• pain along the inner edge of the shin
• tenderness when pressing along the shin bone
• discomfort during or after running
• symptoms that worsen with increasing mileage
• tightness in the calf muscles
Pain is often most noticeable during running, sprinting or jumping activities.
WHY RUNNERS COMMONLY EXPERIENCE SHIN SPLINTS
Shin splints are one of the most common running injuries, particularly when runners increase their training load too quickly.
Running places repeated stress through the lower leg muscles that attach to the shin bone. When these tissues become overloaded, irritation can develop along the tibia.
Common contributing factors in runners include:
• sudden increases in mileage
• insufficient recovery between runs
• tight calf muscles
• reduced hip and glute strength
• changes in running surfaces or footwear
Managing training load while improving lower limb strength is key to resolving shin splints.
CAN I KEEP RUNNING WITH SHIN SPLINTS?
Many runners ask whether they should stop running completely when shin splints develop.
In many cases, running can continue with appropriate load management, provided symptoms are monitored carefully and training is adjusted.
Continuing to run through worsening pain, however, may increase irritation and delay recovery.
At Proview Sports Injury Clinic, our sports therapists help runners understand:
• when it is safe to continue running
• how to adjust mileage and intensity
• how to structure recovery between runs
• how to progress training safely
We can also guide runners through a structured return-to-running progression, helping rebuild mileage while minimising symptom flare-ups.
SHIN SPLINTS VS STRESS FRACTURE
Shin splints are a common cause of shin pain in runners, but in some cases athletes may worry about whether their symptoms could indicate a stress fracture in the shin bone.
Shin splints typically cause diffuse pain along the inner edge of the shin, which may ease with rest and gradually return during running or activity.
A stress fracture, however, usually presents with more localised pain that becomes progressively worse, sometimes causing discomfort even during walking or everyday activity.
Signs that may require further assessment include:
• pain that becomes increasingly severe with activity
• pain that remains even during rest
• very localised tenderness in one specific area of the shin
• difficulty continuing to run due to pain
If symptoms are worsening or not improving with load management, a clinical assessment can help determine whether the problem is shin splints or a more significant bone stress injury.
SPORTS THERAPY TREATMENT FOR SHIN SPLINTS
Sports therapy can help reduce symptoms and support recovery by addressing the muscular tension and movement factors contributing to shin pain.
Treatment may include:
• targeted sports massage to the calf and lower leg muscles
• soft tissue therapy to reduce muscle tension
• mobility work for the calf and ankle
• recovery strategies to support training load
• guidance on modifying running volume and intensity
Manual therapy helps improve tissue quality and reduce excessive tension through the muscles attached to the shin.
Our sports therapists also provide education on how to manage running loads while symptoms settle.
EXERCISE PRESCRIPTION AND LOAD MANAGEMENT
Alongside treatment, athletes are guided through exercises designed to improve lower limb strength and running resilience.
Exercise guidance may include:
• calf strengthening exercises
• ankle mobility work
• hip and glute strengthening
• single-leg stability training
• progressive loading strategies
Improving strength and movement control helps reduce stress through the lower leg during running. Temporary adjustments to running volume may also be recommended while symptoms settle.
RUNNER EDUCATION AND INJURY PREVENTION
Education plays an important role in managing shin splints and preventing recurrence. Our sports therapists help runners understand key factors influencing lower leg loading, including:
• appropriate warm-up routines before running
• managing weekly mileage increases
• recognising early warning signs of shin pain
• recovery strategies between training sessions
With the right guidance, most runners can continue progressing their training while reducing the risk of recurring shin pain.
YOUTH ATHLETE SUPPORT
Shin splints can also affect young athletes during growth phases, particularly those involved in running or field sports.
During adolescence, rapid changes in growth can temporarily increase stress through the lower leg during sport.
Our team supports young athletes through:
• sports therapy treatment
• training load guidance
• progressive strengthening exercises
• long-term athletic development support
This helps young athletes remain active while managing symptoms safely.
WHEN PHYSIOTHERAPY REHABILITATION MAY HELP
Some athletes may benefit from additional physiotherapy rehabilitation, particularly if symptoms persist or higher-level strength work is required.
Our physiotherapy team can support:
• structured rehabilitation programmes
• progressive strength training
• biomechanical movement assessment
• return-to-running planning
This allows athletes to progress into more advanced rehabilitation where required.
SHIN SPLINTS TREATMENT IN CHELTENHAM
At PROVIEW SPORTS INJURY CLINIC, we regularly assess runners and athletes across Cheltenham experiencing shin splints.
Our approach combines:
• sports therapy treatment
• education and load management guidance
• progressive exercise prescription
• access to physiotherapy rehabilitation when required
Our goal is to help athletes return to pain-free running and reduce the risk of recurrence.
SHIN SPLINTS FAQ
What causes shin splints in runners?
Shin splints are usually caused by repetitive stress through the lower leg during running, particularly when training loads increase too quickly.
Should I stop running with shin splints?
Not always. Many runners can continue running with appropriate adjustments to training volume and intensity.
How long do shin splints take to recover?
Recovery time varies but many cases improve within several weeks when training loads are managed and strengthening exercises are introduced.
Does sports therapy help shin splints?
Sports therapy can help reduce muscle tension, improve mobility and guide exercises that support recovery.
BOOK A SPORTS THERAPY APPOINTMENT
If you are experiencing shin pain during running, our team can assess the problem and guide your recovery.
Book a Sports Therapy Appointment at Proview Sports Injury Clinic in Cheltenham.
