🏥 Gotokuji Orthopedic Clinic / Patient Guide

Shin Splints

Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome
Pain along the inner shin from running and jumping

The medical name is medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS); it was traditionally called "tibial periostitis."
Repeated loading causes pain spread over a long, broad area along the inner side of the middle-to-lower third of the shinbone — a common sports overuse injury. It is now understood not as inflammation of the periosteum alone, but as stress accumulating in the bone itself — an early stage on a continuum that can progress to a stress fracture if training continues.
It is often seen in sports with lots of running and jumping, such as track and field, basketball, and soccer.

1
Repeated impact on the shin

Each time you land while running or jumping, stress builds up in the shinbone

2
Weak muscles or poor form increase the load

Overpronation (ankle rolling inward), hard surfaces, and worn-out shoes make it worse

3
Stress builds up in the bone and pain appears

Pain develops over a long, broad area along the inner edge of the shin

🏃 Distance running 🏀 Basketball 👟 Worn-out shoes 🛣️ Hard surfaces 🦵 Weak muscles
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Throbbing pain along the inner shin during exercise
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Tenderness over a broad area of the inner shin (strong pain at a single pinpoint spot suggests a stress fracture)
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Pain when walking in the morning or going downstairs
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If it progresses, pain may occur even at rest
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Protection and Icing
Icing helps ease pain while it is severe. Avoid excessive rest and keep moving within a pain-free range
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Activity Modification
Adjust training volume and gradually return to full activity
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Insoles & Taping
Correct foot alignment to reduce stress on the shin
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Stretching
Calf stretches to improve flexibility
Physical Therapy
Ultrasound and low-frequency therapy to reduce pain
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Strength Training
Strengthen hips and core to stabilize running form
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Early treatment and proper form lead to good recovery

Many people can expect improvement with the right treatment and form correction, though recovery varies from person to person and symptoms can recur. Because it is important to rule out a stress fracture, an MRI or other detailed exam is recommended if pain continues or if you have strong pain at a single pinpoint spot.

💡 Habits to Prevent Shin Pain

  • Use well-cushioned shoes and replace them when worn out
  • Increase weekly running distance by no more than 10% at a time
  • Warm up and cool down for at least 5 minutes each
  • Stretch after bathing and ice after running as a daily routine