Shin Splints Treatment
Shin splints, medically known as medial tibial stress syndrome, is pain along the inner edge of the shin bone caused by inflammation of the muscles, tendons and bone tissue around the tibia. It tends to show up as a dull ache that builds during a run and lingers afterwards, sometimes turning sharp if you push through it, which makes even everyday walking feel uncomfortable.
What Causes Shin Splints?
Shin splints usually build up gradually rather than appearing overnight. Maybe you’ve increased your running mileage too quickly, switched to a harder surface, or started training in worn-out trainers, all of which put extra strain on the shin. Flat feet or tight calf muscles can make things worse by changing how force travels up the leg with each step. Left unmanaged, the repeated stress can progress towards a stress fracture, which is why it’s worth addressing shin splints early rather than running through the pain.
Our Treatment for Shin Splints
At your initial assessment, we’ll look at your running gait, footwear and training load to work out what’s driving the pain, alongside a hands-on assessment of your calf and shin. Treatment typically involves a period of reduced impact, calf and ankle strengthening, and careful load management to let the tissue settle before building your mileage back up. Physiotherapy plays the biggest role here, guiding you through a gradual return to running so the problem doesn’t come straight back. Massage therapy can help loosen tight calf muscles that are contributing to the strain, and sports therapy is useful once you’re ready to rebuild training volume and get back to your usual distances safely.
Most people see meaningful improvement within two to four weeks of starting the right rehab, though full recovery can take longer if training resumes too soon. For more on the running injuries that often show up alongside shin splints, our guide on common injuries for runners is worth a read.
Why Choose True Physio?
Expert Physiotherapy Team
All of our Physiotherapists are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), which means that they fulfil the highest standards of practice required by law. They are also a part of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), demonstrating our commitment to delivering outstanding expertise.
Initial Assessment
At your initial assessment at True Physio, we will find out where your pain comes from and what your goal is before forming a plan to help you achieve that. Our clinicians will take the time to understand your condition, do a detailed assessment, and explain to you the nature of the problem you have. Treatment plans are created with your lifestyle in mind.
“All I can say is thank you for a brilliant service, I have just finished treatment with Tristan, I had 4 sessions for shin splints and went from quite acute pain to being pain free. I had excellent service from beginning to end.” Camilla Green – True Physio Nantwich
Book your appointment now or contact your nearest True Physio clinic to discuss how we can help.
