Shin splints symptoms

 

Shin splints pain may begin as a nagging ache but will be exacerbated by running or jumping and can develop into a more noticeable, significant pain if left untreated. Sufferers often find it difficult to ascertain how long they’ve actually had shin pain as it comes on insidiously and quite often, in the early stages, wears off once the muscles have warmed up. The condition, although prevalent among runners, is a common sporting injury suffered by participants of many other weight-bearing or high impact activities with the pain generally being caused by a stress overload placed on the tibia.

The symptoms of shin splints depends on whether the problem is a muscular shin splint or a bone shin splint, however generalised shin splint symptoms include;

Pain or tenderness in the general area of the shin but most commonly the lower, inside area of the shin bone (tibia).

In some cases, swelling may be visible.

It may be possible to feel small lumps on the inside edge of the tibia.

Working the muscle across it range of motion may increase pain. Point your toes up and down by moving the ankle. Does it hurt?

Pain may be experienced each time the foot hits the ground when exercising. Even in walking can be painful in severe cases.

Shin pain experienced at the beginning of an exercise session may ease off as the muscles warm up.

Shin pain that eases during exercise may return after the exercise session and very often the following morning.

 

Shin splints symptoms - in more detail

 

The symptoms of the three main types of shin splints can be similar but also subtly different.

 

Shin splints- tibialis anterior (muscular)

Tibialis anterior shin splints pain is felt on the front and outside of the shin, which is first noticed when the heel touches the ground during running. Pain eventually becomes constant and the shin is painful to the touch. For more information on anterior shin splints pain click here.

Shin splints- tibialis posterior (muscular)

Tibialis posterior shin splints pain starts on the inside of the lower leg above the ankle. The pain often becomes worse when standing on the toes or rolling the ankle inward. As the shin splint progresses, the severity of pain will increase, leading to inflammation. For more information on posterior shin splint pain click here.

Bone shin splints

Bony shin splint pain usually presents as a generalised ache in the lower leg on exercise. When pressing the shin bone (tibia) pain may be present. Shin splints pain can become severe when doing sporting activity but will subside when resting. Severe pain at night or when resting is not usually shin splints and should be taken seriously. A medical opinion should be sought. For more information on bone shin splints click here.

 

Think you require treatment for your shin splints symptoms?

Visit our sports podiatry clinic pages for a clinic near you.