Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome)

Shin splints, or Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome, is a common injury characterized by pain along the inner edge of your shinbone. This pain is caused by inflammation in the muscles, tendons, and the thin layer of tissue covering the bone. It often happens when you push your body too hard or too fast, causing small micro-tears in the lower leg tissues.

At Physical Therapy Now, we see this condition frequently in people who have recently started a new exercise routine or increased their intensity. While the aching sensation can be frustrating and stop you in your tracks, it is a highly treatable condition. With the right care and professional guidance, you can get back to the activities you love without the nagging leg pain.

• Aching pain along the inner shin
• Pain during or after exercise
• Mild swelling in the lower leg
• Tenderness along the tibia

• Sudden increases in running mileage or workout duration
• Repetitive high-impact activities like jumping or sprinting
• Exercising on hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt
• Wearing worn-out or unsupportive athletic shoes
• Improper running form or biomechanical imbalances
• Tightness in the calf muscles pulling on the shinbone

• Beginning runners who ramp up intensity too quickly
• Athletes with flat feet or high, rigid arches
• Military recruits participating in intense basic training
• Individuals with a history of previous leg injuries
• Dancers or athletes in sports requiring frequent jumping
• People who exercise on uneven terrain or hills

When you visit Physical Therapy Now, you will work 1-on-1 with a licensed physical therapist to identify the root cause of your shin pain. Treatment begins with a thorough evaluation of your gait, foot structure, and muscle strength. We often use manual therapy techniques, including soft tissue mobilization and myofascial release, to reduce tension in the calf muscles and improve blood flow to the inflamed area. Modalities such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation may also be used to manage pain and speed up the healing process during the initial phase.

As your pain decreases, your therapist will guide you through a customized exercise program focused on strengthening the muscles around the ankle and foot. This typically includes eccentric calf raises, toe scrunches, and hip stabilization exercises to ensure your legs are absorbing impact correctly. We also provide professional gait analysis to correct any issues with your running or walking form. This progression ensures that you are not just masking the pain, but building a stronger foundation to prevent the injury from returning. If your shin pain persists for more than 2-3 weeks, is getting worse, or makes it difficult to walk, please call us or schedule an appointment today so we can help you recover safely.

Most patients experience significant relief within 3 to 6 weeks of starting physical therapy. The first phase focuses on reducing inflammation and pain through rest and manual therapy. The second phase involves strengthening the lower leg and hip muscles to handle impact. Full return to high-intensity sports usually takes 2 to 3 months, ensuring the bone and soft tissues have fully adapted to the stress of your activity level.

• Rest and avoid high-impact activities like running or jumping
• Apply ice to the inner shin for 15-20 minutes several times a day
• Perform gentle calf stretches to reduce tension on the shinbone
• Check your sneakers and replace them if they have more than 300-500 miles
• Try low-impact cross-training like swimming or cycling to maintain fitness
• Use a foam roller on your calf muscles to improve flexibility
• Avoid running on hard or uneven surfaces until pain subsides
• Wear compression sleeves to help manage swelling and provide support

These tips support recovery but don't replace a professional evaluation. If you're unsure or symptoms worsen, please reach out.