Ankle & Foot

Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome)

Also called: MTSS

Diffuse aching along the inner shin from bone-level overload — the classic 'too much, too soon' injury of new runners, returning athletes, and military recruits. Sits on a spectrum with stress fracture, which is why the pattern (diffuse vs. pinpoint) matters.

Common signs

Aching along several centimeters of the inner shin
Hurts at the start of running, may ease, aches after
Tender along a broad stretch of bone edge
Both legs commonly involved

Seek help now if

Pinpoint one-spot bone pain, pain with hopping, or night bone ache — stress fracture until proven otherwise
Pain with swelling, tightness, and numbness during exertion that resolves with rest (consider compartment syndrome)
Pain at rest progressing

If any of these is sudden or severe, call 911 or go to an emergency room. For the others, get examined before you start self-care.

What to do first

Cut running volume below the symptom threshold — often 50% — and keep pain ≤3/10 during and after
Check the calendar: mileage spikes, new surfaces, worn shoes explain most cases
Begin calf/foot strengthening and hip work; consider gait review

The longer road

Rebuild with the 10% rule and pain-guided progression over 4–8+ weeks
Recurrent cases: assess bone-health factors (energy availability, vitamin D, calcium — especially in female athletes with cycle irregularity)
Not improving with genuine load management → image for stress fracture

Natural healing options we use

Load management and graded return programming
Manual therapy for calf complex; chiropractic care for foot/ankle/hip mechanics
Attended e-stim for symptom relief
Bone nutrition: calcium, vitamin D, adequate energy intake

About imaging

Clinical initially; MRI when stress fracture is suspected (X-rays are late to show it).

Daily self-care

Run every other day during rebuild
Calf raises and foot-core work daily
Replace shoes on mileage, not appearance

Book a visit Call 469-620-6245 All conditions

How we can help

Keep working on it at home

Once you have been examined and cleared to load it, these free home programs cover this part of the body.

Ankles Bulletproofing Feet Bulletproofing The Body Audit: test your own range

More in Ankle & Foot

Lateral Ankle Sprain High Ankle Sprain Achilles Tendinopathy Achilles Tendon Rupture Plantar Fasciitis Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction Bone Stress Injury / Stress Fracture Morton's Neuroma Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Bunion Turf Toe Peroneal Tendinopathy Sever's Disease Flat Feet

Please read: this page is education, not a diagnosis. A proper examination is how a condition gets confirmed and a plan gets built. See our medical disclaimer.