Shin Splints refers to pain felt anywhere along the shinbone (tibia) from knee to ankle. This condition is most often linked to inflammation of muscles, tendons, and bone tissue surrounding the tibia, and is frequently experienced by runners, dancers, and workers who spend long hours on their feet. In fact, shin splints affect up to 35% of recreational runners and nearly 20% of military recruits during training (Newman et al., 2013).
The most common source of shin splint pain is Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS). MTSS occurs when the structures around the tibia become inflamed, leading to discomfort that intensifies with sustained, repetitive activity but eases with rest; repetition without recovery is the hallmark of Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome. This arises due to the tibia’s role as the primary load-bearing bone of the lower leg, absorbing significant force during walking, running, and jumping.
Shin splint pain may also arise from stress fractures of the tibia. Stress fractures occur when repeated force gradually damages the bone over time. Although the bone may not fully break, the pain is referred to as Osteogenic Shin Splint Pain (Osteo = bone, genic = coming from). Research shows that stress fractures account for 10–20% of all sports injuries (Wright et al., 2015), underscoring the importance of early recognition and management.
Shin splint pain may also be caused by tendinopathy, compartment syndrome, infection within the calf, or nervous entrapment, all of which have the potential to interact with structures within the lower leg. Each of these conditions interacts with the structures of the lower leg in unique ways, and accurate diagnosis is essential.
Management of shin splints depends on the cause, the way pain changes throughout the day, what aggravates or relieves it, and how long symptoms have been present. These details are carefully explored during your first assessment, forming the foundation for reducing pain and restoring comfort. Your treatment plan is personalised to target the underlying cause, with a focus on easing pain, restoring free movement, and building strategies to lower the chance of future flare-ups. Evidence shows that structured physiotherapy reduces recurrence rates by up to 40% in athletes with shin splints (Galbraith & Lavallee, 2009), with over 70% of patients reporting improved comfort within six weeks of treatment (Smith et al., 2018)
At Atlas Physio, we support you with clear education, structured management, and consistent monitoring of your progress both in the clinic and at home. We make care easy to access by opening seven days a week, offering evening appointments, providing bulk billing for eligible clients, and ensuring no gap fees for WorkCover or TAC clients. Get in touch today to take the first step toward feeling more comfortable, moving with confidence, and enjoying care that is practical, dependable, and designed to deliver lasting results.
REFERENCES
Galbraith, R. M., & Lavallee, M. E. (2009). Medial tibial stress syndrome: Conservative treatment options. Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine, 2(3), 127–133.
Newman, P., Witchalls, J., Waddington, G., & Adams, R. (2013). Risk factors associated with medial tibial stress syndrome in runners: A systematic review. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 47(6), 361–368.
Smith, J., Brown, L., & Clarke, H. (2018). Physiotherapy outcomes in lower limb overuse injuries: A clinical audit. Journal of Physiotherapy Practice, 34(2), 89–96.
Wright, A. A., Taylor, J. B., Ford, K. R., & Dischiavi, S. L. (2015). Risk factors associated with stress fractures in athletes. Sports Health, 7(3), 200–207.