Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome) at Foot Foundation
Shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), cause pain along the inner edge of the shin bone (tibia) due to overload of the muscles, tendons, and bone lining in the area.
This is one of the most common lower leg overuse injuries, particularly affecting runners, athletes, and military personnel. If untreated, shin splints can progress to more serious conditions such as stress fractures. At Foot Foundation, we provide detailed assessment and management that focuses not only on relieving pain but also on correcting the biomechanical and training factors that lead to shin splints.
What are Shin Splints?
Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome) refer to pain along the inner border of the shin bone (tibia) caused by inflammation and overload of the muscles, tendons, and periosteum (bone lining) in this region.
It is one of the most common lower leg overuse injuries, particularly in runners, athletes, and military personnel. Without proper treatment, shin splints may progress to more serious injuries such as stress fractures.
At Foot Foundation, we provide comprehensive assessment and management, targeting both pain relief and the underlying biomechanical and training factors that cause shin splints.
Causes & Risk Factors
Overuse & training load – sudden increases in running or training volume
Foot biomechanics – flat feet, overpronation, or high arches causing stress on shin muscles
Poor footwear – worn-out or unsupportive shoes lacking shock absorption
Hard surfaces – running on concrete, artificial turf, or hard ground
Muscle weakness or imbalance – calf tightness, weak hip stabilisers
Previous injury – history of stress fractures or recurrent leg pain
Occupational stress – military training, long-distance marching, or repetitive standing
Treatment at Foot Foundation
Load management – advice on modifying training to reduce stress on shins
Custom orthotics – to correct biomechanics, reduce pronation, and offload tibial stress
Footwear advice – supportive shoes with cushioning and shock absorption
Shockwave therapy – evidence-based treatment to stimulate healing and reduce pain
Exercise rehabilitation – strengthening calf, hip, and core muscles; stretching tight calves and hamstrings
Manual therapy & massage – to relieve muscle tension and improve circulation
Education – training surfaces, running technique, and injury prevention strategies
Referral – for imaging or sports medicine assessment if severe or non-responsive
Symptoms
Pain along the inner edge of the shin bone (medial tibia)
Pain that initially occurs with exercise, then persists during rest as it worsens
Tenderness and swelling along the shin
Ache or throbbing after activity, sometimes during sleep
Symptoms aggravated by running, jumping, or prolonged standing
Relief with rest in early stages, but persistent pain in advanced cases
Diagnosis
At Foot Foundation, diagnosis includes:
Clinical examination – palpation along the tibia, biomechanical assessment, activity history
Gait analysis – to detect abnormal loading or movement patterns
Imaging referral (if required):
X-ray – to exclude stress fracture
MRI or bone scan – for detailed assessment in persistent cases
Shin Splints – FAQs
They are caused by repetitive stress on the shin bone and surrounding tissues, often from overuse, poor biomechanics, or improper footwear.
They are common in runners, athletes, dancers, and military recruits, but can affect anyone increasing activity suddenly.
Shin splints usually cause diffuse pain along the shin, while a stress fracture causes sharp, localised pain that worsens with activity. Imaging may be required to confirm.
Yes. Orthotics correct foot alignment and loading patterns, reducing tibial stress and preventing recurrence.
Mild cases may improve with rest, but without addressing underlying causes, shin splints often return.
Most cases improve within 4–8 weeks with proper treatment, though chronic cases may take longer.
Yes. Shockwave therapy can stimulate healing, reduce pain, and accelerate recovery in persistent cases.
Continuing to run without modification risks worsening the condition or developing a stress fracture. Professional guidance is essential.
They can progress to stress fractures or chronic pain if untreated, so early management is important.
If shin pain persists beyond a week, worsens with exercise, or interferes with activity, podiatry assessment is recommended.
Why Choose Foot Foundation?
Foot Foundation provides specialist shin splint treatment, integrating podiatry, physiotherapy, orthotics, and exercise rehabilitation. Our approach focuses not only on pain relief but also on correcting biomechanics and preventing recurrence.
With clinics in Rosedale, Takapuna, Remuera, Botany, Hamilton, and Tauranga, expert shin splint management is available across New Zealand.
