Skip to main content
  • Patient Portal
  • Pay Bill
  • Request Appointment
MCHS_Logo_2024_BLACK
    • Services

      Featured Services

      • Cardiology (Heart)
      • Gastroenterology & Hepatology (Digestive Care)
      • Neurosurgery
      • Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB-GYN)
      • Oncology (Cancer)
      • Orthopedics & Orthopedic Surgery (Bones)
      • Primary Care
      • Spine Care
      • Sports Medicine
      • Surgery
      • Urology

      View all services
    • Providers
    • Locations

      Minnesota

      • Albert Lea
      • Austin
      • Belle Plaine
      • Blooming Prairie
      • Butterfield
      • Caledonia
      • Cannon Falls
      • Fairmont
      • Faribault
      • Lake City
      • Lake Crystal
      • Mankato
      • Montgomery
      • New Prague
      • Northfield
      • Owatonna
      • Plainview
      • Red Wing
      • Sherburn
      • St. James
      • St. Peter
      • Waseca
      • Waterville
      • Wells
      • Zumbrota

      Wisconsin

      • Arcadia
      • Barron
      • Bloomer
      • Chetek
      • Chippewa Falls
      • Eau Claire
      • Ellsworth
      • Glenwood City
      • Holmen
      • La Crosse
      • Menomonie
      • Mondovi
      • Onalaska
      • Osseo
      • Prairie du Chien
      • Rice Lake
      • Sparta
      • Tomah

      View map
    • Classes/Events
    • Blog
    • Wellness
    • Referrals
    Posted By
    Amy Rantala, M.D.

    Amy Rantala, M.D.

    Orthopedics & Orthopedic Surgery (Bones), Sports Medicine

    Recent Posts

    • Gymnast on uneven bars
      Speaking of Health
      Sleep your way to better athletic performance
      December 18, 2023
    • Fingers wrinkled by water
      Speaking of Health
      Q&A: The science behind weird body reactions
      August 03, 2023
    Featured Topics
    • Behavioral Health
    • Cancer
    • Children's Health (Pediatrics)
    • Exercise and Fitness
    • Heart Health
    • Men's Health
    • Neurosurgery
    • Obstetrics and Gynecology
    • Orthopedic Health
    • Weight-loss (Bariatric) Surgery
    • Women's Health
    Join our email newsletter
    Speaking of Health
    Tuesday, August 16, 2022

    Don’t let shin splints halt your workout

    Topics in this Post
    • Sports Medicine
    • Orthopedic Health
    Runner legs

    At first, you may brush it off as fatigue or pushing your run or walk too far. But eventually, the recurring, throbbing pain in your shins gets your full attention. By then, you may have a full-blown case of shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome.

    Here's what you need to know about this condition:

    What are shin splints and their symptoms?

    Stress on the shinbone and the connective tissues that attach the muscles to the bones inflames the tissues, causing pain. The front of the shin aches or throbs, especially after exercise. These symptoms are common in runners, hikers, dancers and military recruits.

    What causes this condition?

    The risk of developing this syndrome increases for a variety of reasons, including:

    • Repetitive stress to the lower leg from running or walking, or an increase in overall activity, intensity or mileage
    • Flat feet or a collapsed arch, also known as pronation or a high arch
    • Poorly fitting shoes without good support
    • Weak ankles, hips or core muscles
    • Poor warmup before exercise or insufficient cooldown with stretching after exercise

    How are shin splints diagnosed?

    Shin splints or possibly stress fractures may cause pain in the front of the lower leg. These fractures need to be ruled out with X-rays or bone scans.

    What's the treatment for medial tibial stress syndrome?

    Most cases of shin splints can be treated with rest, ice and proper footwear.

    Take a break from your walking or running workout to give your shins time to heal. You can remain active by exercising with non-weight-bearing exercise, like swimming or biking, if it doesn't cause pain.

    Icing the shins can decrease pain. This is typically done for 20 minutes four times a day for three days, or until the pain is gone. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDS, including ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve), will ease pain and decrease inflammation. If you have high blood pressure or kidney disease, consult your health care professional before taking these medications.

    Be sure your footwear fits properly, provides adequate support and is appropriate for your activity. For example, running shoes typically have a more cushioned heel than walking shoes. Runners should replace their shoes after 350–400 miles.

    When can you return to your normal activities?

    When your shins are pain-free, you can return to your regular activities. But start slowly. Gradually increase the intensity or distance to avoid reinjuring your shins.

    How can you prevent shin splints?

    Repetitive stress and overdoing an activity primarily cause shin splints. They can be prevented by:

    • Progressively working your way into a new workout or routine
    • Gradually increasing physical activity, intensity and mileage
    • Wearing proper footwear
    • Adding arch supports or insoles designed to absorb more shock or impact
    • Bringing cross-training and strength workouts to a training regimen

    If your issues with shin splints continue or recur repeatedly, consult with an orthopedic or sports training specialist.

    Amy Rantala, M.D., practices primary care sports medicine in Eau Claire, Wisconsin
    Topics in this Post
    • Sports Medicine
    • Orthopedic Health

    Related Posts

    Runner wearing number tag Planning for your big run
    Athlete using medicine ball Training tips during your sport's offseason
    Concussion football players The real impact of a concussion
    Mayo Clinic Health System
    About Us
    Careers
    Volunteer
    Donate
    Contact Us
    Patient Care
    Patients & Visitors
    Classes & Events
    Mayo Clinic Connect
    Mayo Clinic
    Resources
    For Medical Professionals
    Community Resources
    Financial Assistance
    Price Transparency
    Press Room
    Compliance
    Notice of Nondiscrimination
    Notice of Privacy Practices
    No Surprises Act
    Terms of Use
    Manage Cookie
    Privacy Policy
    © 2018 - 2025 Mayo Clinic Health System