Shin splints (MTSS)
Shin splints - medial tibial stress syndrome - is pain along the inner edge of the shin, common in runners and in anyone ramping up running or jumping, or changing surface or footwear. It usually reflects the bone and surrounding tissue being loaded faster than they have adapted to. Persistent or worsening, focal shin pain should be assessed, as it can sit on a spectrum with bone stress injury.
Treatment centres on managing training load and progressively building the capacity of the lower leg through strengthening, alongside looking at running and contributing factors. Melissa assesses the shin, distinguishes it from a more serious bone stress injury where needed, and builds a plan that lets you keep training as much as is sensible while resolving the cause.
Common questions
How do I get rid of shin splints?
By managing the load that provoked it and building the lower leg's capacity: temporarily adjusting training volume and intensity, a progressive calf and lower-limb strengthening programme, and attention to footwear and running. Simply resting tends to settle it only until you return to the same load. If the pain is very focal and worsening, it should be assessed to rule out a bone stress injury.
Can I keep running with shin splints?
Often yes, at a reduced and adjusted level guided by symptoms, while you work on the cause - though sometimes a short period of lower-impact cross-training helps settle things first. The aim is to keep load below the level that flares the shin while you build capacity. Sharp, focal, worsening pain is a reason to stop and get it assessed.