If you’re a runner, sports person or walker, ignore the pain of shin splints at your peril.

Shin splints often begin as a dull, aching pain along the shin bone (tibia) but can progress to a burning pain, associated muscle cramps and a deep bone ‘ache’ if there is a stress fracture.

What are Shin Splints?

Shin splints is a term used to describe a variety of pains that occur in the front of the lower leg, along the tibia (shinbone) and the connective tissues that attach your muscles to your tibia.

The most common cause of shin splints is Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS).   MTSS occurs when the layer of connective tissue covering the surface of the shin bone becomes inflamed. If left untreated stress fractures (tiny breaks in the lower leg bone) can develop.

What causes shin splints?

There are a number of factors that can predispose one to developing shin splints including: irritated and swollen muscles of the lower leg, tight Achilles’ tendons, pronation of the foot (foot/ankle rolls inwards) or flat feet, weakness in stabilising muscles of the hips or core.

Think you might have shin splints?

The team at Teddington Osteopaths will assess and treat your injury, identify contributing causes and advise on exercises and a rehabilitation programme to prevent further symptoms.

Early intervention means a faster recovery and less disruption to your exercise.

For further advice and information or to make an appointment call Teddington Osteopaths on 020 8977 3295.